A/N: Luffy has turned 18 by this point in the story (actually turned 18 way before this chapter, I just keep forgetting to mention this). I didn't write a chapter dedicated to said birthday, or make mention of it any time in any of the chapters, but I thought said information was important enough to make note of up here.

Chapter takes place a handful of days after the group returned from the honeymoon…


To Serve at his Command| Detective

"Luffy?"

The maid slowly glanced up from the book she was reading, watching as Nami entered the room, quickly approaching her cot and flopping down. "Luffy," Nami repeated, voice softer this time, "what are you doing?"

"Reading," Luffy answered blankly, eyes drifting down to the book on her lap. The fellow maid followed her stare, frowned slightly, and began to lean into Luffy's arm.

"The Human Body," Nami read off slowly, expression dulling. "I didn't know you were into that sort of thing…"

Shrugging in response, Luffy gently closed the book and placed it beside her, giving it one firm pat before glancing over to Nami. "I was just curious about what happens in our bodies, that's all." In truth, the book had been loaned to her by Law, happily so when she showed interest in the subject. He claimed that if she read enough, she could easily become his assistant one day if he ever got licensed.

Unfortunately, there were many words that she did not understand and she constantly found herself growing confused over the text. She figured that perhaps anatomy and medicine just wasn't her cup of tea; however, she didn't want to let Law down and just give up entirely. If I can just finish it…

"Luffy," Nami repeated, firmer than before as she sat fully erect, "you've been spending your afternoons off in the mansion reading." She threw an arm around Luffy's shoulders, offering her a soft smile. "You should come out to the gardens with Robin and me, yes?"

Luffy couldn't help but tense up. While she was interested in the offer, she was still a bit iffy with interacting with Robin. Besides occasionally aiding Robin with dressing, bathing, or dining, they rarely spoke since her return from the vacation, and it was solely on Luffy's part. She knew that nothing should have happened while they were gone, but a lingering fear of what if seemed to plague her mind.

If I could easily step out and go to another, why couldn't he?

Robin was beautiful, a woman grown with soft eyes and a warm smile. If I was him, I would probably go to her if left alone for a week…Even though Crocodile had stressed to her that he harbored no interest for his wife, Luffy couldn't help but doubt his words. She figured that Robin had everything to offer him, more than the maid ever could—why wouldn't he sleep with his wife on their honeymoon?

Or perhaps it was simply just guilt?

She did sleep with Law, and while no part of her regretted doing as such, she felt a bit awkward whenever interacting with Crocodile, or strangely enough, Robin. She figured that if she could go sleep with another behind Crocodile's back, why couldn't he do the same to her? And now he had a wife—easier access to do such a thing.

Shaking her head, Luffy exhaled lightly and looked to Nami. "I'm a bit tired from this morning's chores—I think it'll be best if I rest in here for a while."

The orange-haired maid shook her head in defiance, quickly getting up and tugging on Luffy's arm. "Come on, don't be a bore, Luffy! A bit of sunshine will do you good."

Sighing, Luffy gave in with a small smile, allowing Nami to pull her up to her feet. "Fine," she agreed, defeated.


"It's nice to see you out here again," Robin warmly commented as she strolled through the gardens, offering Luffy one quick smile. "You've been so quiet lately—I was beginning to fear you had grown ill."

Trailing slowly behind the older woman, Luffy shook her head. "I just haven't had the time to come out to the gardens, that's all." While it wasn't exactly true, it wasn't exactly a lie; Luffy was busier those days, what with juggling her chores and trying to finish that book. And, of course, avoiding Robin altogether if she had the chance.

Pausing, Robin glanced about quickly before heading towards one of the stone chairs scattered about the grounds. She sent Luffy a look as she patted down the empty spot beside here. "Come and sit by me," she ordered with a cock of her brow.

Doing as such, the maid folded her hands together over her lap and tilted her head back, so she could gaze up at the skies.

"Tsuru made mention that you were in charge of the mansion while we were gone," Robin began, eyes observing Luffy's face. "How was that? I bet it was fun, yes, to be in charge like that?"

A smile attacked Luffy's face, prompting her to glance away as to hide it from Robin. She couldn't help but think of Law and the week they spent together—learning to enjoy each other's company more so than ever.

A faint laugh escaped the older woman, causing the maid to look her way. "You look happy…Did something happen while I was gone?"

Searching edger eyes, Luffy quickly shook her head. "Nothing happened," she answered, voice a slight tremble, giving her away instantly.

"You can tell me anything," Robin reminded her as she shifted in her seat, so that she was fully facing Luffy. "You can trust me, as I can trust you."

Her stomach dropped, leading her to pout ever so slightly. "Ah," Luffy began, tone weak as she crossed her arms. Guilt struck her hard and at that moment, she felt that perhaps entrusting her adventures with Law might ease it, as if not to push Robin away any further. "Well," she began softly, exhaling a deep breath, "I may have had a guest while you all were away…"

"A guest?" The woman brought her hand up to her chin, pausing for a moment as she glanced away. "Luffy," she started, voice picking up, "was it that man from before?" There was a glimmer of interest in her eyes, hungry for the gossip. Said look left Luffy taken aback, as if she was meeting a new side of Robin.

She answered with a stiff nod, watching as Robin broke out into a small smile.

"Luffy," she practically gushed, hand reaching out to clasp hers, "that's scandalous, to bring a man over like that." Her cheeks seemed to arise in a pinkish tone as her smile grew. "But it is exciting—I envy you."

"Ah," Luffy objected quickly, "I'm sure your vacation went better, what with you going to an island and all…"

Pulling her hand back, Robin shrugged as her expression returned back to her normal observing calm. "Not truly," she answered softly, a frown taking over. "While the island itself was beautiful, yes, my…company could have been in better taste."

Company…? "You mean…?"

"Him," she firmly answered for Luffy, sighing silently afterwards. "He is rather a brute, that one," she started as her legs crossed, a gentle breeze dancing by. "Hardly a word spoken throughout the entire trip, didn't seem happy at all, and not once did he sport a smile." Shaking her head, Robin offered Luffy an amused smile. "The worse was the wedding night."

Swallowing, Luffy cocked a brow at the woman's statement, body growing tense. "Did something happen?" she asked, afraid of the answer.

Exhaling, Robin laughed softly. "It was our first night as man and woman, you realize this, yes?"

A grimace took to the maid, but before she had the chance to reply, Robin cut her off.

"If talking about your employer in such a manner makes you uncomfortable, please tell me," she commented, a gentle expressing resting upon her face. "I suppose it can be…rough to imagine him doing such things."

"No…no," Luffy objected with a stutter, heartbeat picking up to match her ever growing panic. "I…you two actually…?"

Robin quickly shook her head no. "Like I was trying to say before, typically a newly wedded couple will do such a thing on their first night together, or the second, or third…or fourth, but that failed to happen between us."

Luffy cocked a brow, confused. "You didn't…?"

"No," Robin answered with a shrug of her shoulders. "I mean, I suppose we tried, but he soon grew upset or ill and decided to stop. We shared a bed for a mere couple of minutes, if that." A laugh escaped her then, hands crossing over her own lap. "Not that I'm complaining—I wasn't looking forward to that portion of our marriage. Perhaps he's incapable of…?" She gave off another laugh, clearly pleased with her own joke.

The maid couldn't help but smile, not from the joke but from the sheer relief she felt at that moment. They didn't…he didn't…It felt as if all the panic and stress were beginning to wash away from learning such information, as if all her worries were drifting off.

"I can only guess you had the best week in regards to that subject, what with that special man of yours," Robin added with a smile as she arose, stretching her arms out.

And like that, the guilt rushed right back, prompting Luffy to frown and go blank in the eyes. That's right…Law…And if was true: she was intimate with Law, and going by what Robin claimed, she was the only one to step out of whatever relationship she shared with Crocodile.

"We should hurry along now," Robin suggested, taking a step towards Luffy to earn her attention. "I don't want to keep you from your duties too long."

Biting down on her lower lip, Luffy shook her head. "I'm going to stay out here for a few more minutes, if you don't mind…"

Observing her for a moment, Robin gave one nod as she placed her hand down on Luffy's shoulder to pat it. She left shortly after, leaving the maid alone to ponder on her thoughts.

She felt odd, to say the least, sitting there. Moments prior, she was almost convinced that Robin and Crocodile had actually went the full way with each other—that was the obvious thing to do between newly wedded couples, but apparently that was not the case, strangely enough. It puzzled her to realize that it was in fact her, herself, that stepped out of bound…

It would have been better if he had…then at least…Then at least she wouldn't feel guilty for going there with Law.

Holding her breath, she flopped back on the stone setting, arms falling to her sides and fingers hovering just over the ground. Great, another thing to feel bad about. If there was one thing Luffy could say about herself, it was that she was terrible at making decisions and just wonderful at getting into trouble. Gramps always said I was an idiot…I guess he was right…

She brought her hand up to her forehead, shielding her eyes from the sun as she sighed. Why can't everything be as easy as eating food? Romance and sex and relationships are too much work…too much drama. I might as well start up an affair with Sanji, at least he could offer me food from that relationship.

The maid stayed like that for ten or so minutes, allowing her mind to slowly drift off and body to slump into relaxation. It felt nice, to lie out in the garden like that under the ever cooling skies. And she would have remained that way if not for the movement of bushes off behind her somewhere.

Quickly sitting up, Luffy observed the area, glancing this way and that, looking for the source of the noise. When she caught the sound once more, she cocked her head towards the right, narrowing her eyes as she surveyed the garden grounds up ahead. Something is moving in the bushes over there…

The last time that happened, she had found Law snooping around. Could it be him again? She wondered happily, getting up and taking a timid step in the direction of the source. He shouldn't keep visiting like this—he might get caught.

As she neared the area, she felt her heart flutter as she saw a figure move about in the bushes. It most definitely was a person, that much was obvious, but as she got closer, a fear began to settle in as she realized that it was in fact not Law.

Halting, her eyes widened when the stranger looked her way, surprised to find her there. A moment of silence was exchange between the two, each staring the other down. He wasn't too particularly frightening to look at, a modest outfit with sleeves rolled up, a hat to shield his eyes, and a pair of slacks. He was slender, young, and tired of face.

"Who are you?" she questioned, taking a step away from him. "What are you doing here? Get out!"

The man raised one hand, as if to calm her. "Quiet," he retorted, voice hoarse. "I ain't nobody that concerns you." A moment later, and he took a step towards her, causing her to tense up. "Who are you? You work here?"

Luffy took another step back, glancing to her sides before returning her attention back to the intruder. "You don't belong here," she stated, hands reaching up to hover over her chest. "Leave, now."

"Do you work for Crocodile," he questioned her, as if he didn't hear what she just said. "You do, don't you?" he added when she didn't answer. "How about you come with me—I could really use your help here. Listen, I'm a detective and you'd do best if you came with me…"

Luffy shook her head, slapping his hand away when it seemed he was reaching out for her. "I'm not going anywhere with you. You don't belong here." And it was then that she tried to flee, turning around to scurry off until she felt something take ahold of her wrist, pulling her back. With a loud yelp, she yanked herself free, falling forward and shooting her hand out to break her fall.

"Ah, shit," the man said then, tone annoyed.

Flipping over to sit up on her back, Luffy kicked at his shin as hard as she could muster, earning a loud groan and a sharp cruse from the man. In a moment, she was on her feet again, this time actually running.

She didn't stop until she was at the mansion, pushing the back servant door open and finding one certain driver in the hallway, eating a snack. His dull stare met hers, glazing over her scuffled appearance, but before he even had the chance to swallow his food, she spoke. "Some man is out there in the garden—he attacked me!"

A brief moment of hesitation crossed his face, as if he was processing what she had just said. And then, as if his entire mood snapped, he quickly went past her, ordering her to tell the boss and wait inside as he ran out the door and towards the gardens.

Fearful, she did just that, making her way up towards Crocodile's office while clutching her hand, wounded from her fall. Blood smeared her palms, a sting traveling up her arm. Short of breath from the run up the stairs, Luffy entered his office without knocking, earning one confused—and stern—look her way.

"What is it?" he began, falling short when she approached his desk, his eyes falling down to her hands.

The words fell from her lips in a panicked mess. "There is a man outside in the gardens, Daz went out there to go find him and he told me to go tell you."

And just as with Daz, Crocodile's entire demeanor changed, going from annoyed to a state of alert. "He attacked you?" he questioned as he got up from his seat, hand reaching down to open up his desk drawer.

After a stiff nod, Luffy watched as he drew out a handgun, offering her one stern glance. "Go in the bathroom to clean up your wounds, but wait there and don't come out until I return." His tone was angry, yet there was a level of sternness in it Luffy had yet to hear, as if there was no way she could argue back. With a weak nod, she watched as he hurried out of the small office.


She dipped her hand back into the sink bowl, frowning when more streaks of blood mixed in with the water. While the bleeding had slowed down quite a bit in the past five to ten minutes, her wound still bled. Washing it, apparently, was not enough.

Frowning, she lifted her hand up and examined the cut. It felt as if I landed on a rock or something, she thought, looking at the slightly jagged slit running under her thumb. This might take a while to heal…

The turning of the door knob prompted her to glance away from the sink, eyes softening when she watched Crocodile enter. With expression originally that of frustration, he looked to her with curiosity and concern. "What did he do to you?" he began, approaching her and taking her hand to examine it more. "Did he hurt you anywhere else…?"

"He grabbed me," Luffy answered softly, frowning when it seemed that the bleeding had begun to pick up from his inspection.

Crocodile's stare snapped up from their hands to meet hers. "He grabbed you?" he questioned, voice hard, growing angry. "Where? Where did he grab you?"

"Just the wrist," she began, sensing his urgency. When Crocodile pushed past her, she added, "He wanted me to come with him…he said he was a detective?"

He took to rolls of hand towels placed opposite the bathroom, sending her a slight frown after her statement. "A detective?" he asked, picking out one of the towels. Turning around, he lowered his brows and nodded his head to the sink. "Sit up on top of the counter."

Luffy did as he commanded, watching silently as he approached her once more.

"Hand," he ordered, to which she offered. He pressed the towel against her wound with his palm, his fingers wrapping along the back of her hand. His stare met hers and he continued on with the questions. "What else did he say?"

Her eyes fell to their hands, pressed against his chest. "He wanted to know if I worked for you, and he wanted me to come with him. I don't know where to…he was snooping around, I think…I fought him off the best I could." Her gaze lifted to his once more. "Did you find him?"

His lips formed a firm line under his scar. "Daz only got a glimpse of him as he ran off down the street and by the time I got down there, he was completely gone." Pausing, he lowered her hand down upon her lap only to lift his own hand to her chin. "Listen," he began, "I don't want you to worry about that man—I will not tolerate him hurting you like this. He's at the top of my list now for what he did to you. Coming onto my property…attacking you…" The words fell silent as he shook his head, clearly frustrated.

After a long moment, he smirked before pressing his forehead against hers. "I promise you, as long as you're mine, no one will ever get away with doing you harm, that I swear."


To be continued…


Next Time: Crocodile's men eventually find the intruder and Crocodile takes care of him in front of Luffy. Only problem is, the detective has some grave things to say that prompt Luffy to question who she can really trust. Things and situations start to become too much for the maid to handle.


A/N2: Ah! Hey there! It's been a few weeks since the last update, and I apologize for that. Honestly, I had to rewrite the rest of the plot outline because I just wasn't happy with it as it is, and that is a main reason as to why there hasn't been an update for so long. I just couldn't bring myself to write being so unhappy with the plot, but as soon as I came up with a new outline that I'm pleased with, I produced this chapter. So things will be slightly different from what I've been leading them up to be, not to any extremes though.


As always, thank you so much for reading!

Cereza101: haha, I hope this was a good read for you. Sorry for the long wait! Thanks for reading/reviewing!

Anon: All your questions shall be answered eventually! Thank you so much for reading/reviewing!

Starlight555: Aw, thank you! Originally, before I rewrote the outline, Chopper was going to be in this story, as a human. But I've cut him out of *Part one* of this story. Since then, I've yet to come up with a new role for him…All other questions will be answered (or somewhat answered) eventually in the story! Thanks for reading/reviewing!

Kiki's Cat: Food does make everything better for Luffy. Honestly, Luffy is just going to end up romantically involved with food, that's the plot twist xD And yeah, Crocodile is becoming accustomed to having Luffy around, and might start acting (if he hasn't already) possessive/protecting of her. Thank you so much for reading/reviewing!

Tissuecube: Yeah, Law is going to be a complicated character in regards to if Luffy can trust him or not. Your worries and questions will all be answered/taken care of soon in the story : ) And regards to Crocodile viewing Luffy as his younger self, Luffy will follow somewhat of a similar path, learning who to trust & facing struggles. Thank you for reading! And reviewing! :D

BlueFightingPanda: Yes, yes Luffy is.

Son of Whitebeard: He's already abusive in a sense, mentally so, in a controlling way almost. But yeah…Crocodile is going to have some ups and downs coming the next tenish chapters. Thanks for reading/reviewing! :D