Finally I updated! – I hope it's long enough . it's not is it? I'll try to update soon to make up for it being moderate size.

I really just need to apologize for taking so long to update. Things have been pretty hectic over on my end with university starting at the end of the summer and then there was this big thing with my ex and new boyfriend… Either way all is well now and I am writing again! I never stopped it was just a slow chapter . I decided to make the fic long, so you don't have to be worried about it ending soon… but with uni you might have to wait ages and what not so if you stick with me I give you kudos!

And yes you may read the chapter now! I will commentate some more at the bottom!

Chapter Nine

Hancock sat in the empty science room shaking, trying but failing to keep the horrible memories away.

"Daddy stop! Why are you touching me there?"

Hancock tightened her grip on her arms and forced her sobbing to still.

"Get off me! You aren't my father!"

His hands were everywhere. She couldn't get him off her. Without realizing it Hancock backed up into the wall and she was kicking and screaming but he wouldn't get off. He kept touching and pinching and biting her. He kept making her filthy. No one could love her, not after this. No one would want such a damaged woman. No one would marry her! Zoro took advantage of her with that kiss! How could he do this to her? She trusted him. The first person she trusted with her secret. Did he get seduced by her beauty?

"Stop it! Get off me! Don't touch me! I don't want this! I'm just a normal girl… please…" Hancock's sobbing got louder. "Please… stop!"

"Hancock!"

Strong hands grabbed Hancock's shoulders shaking her out of her trance. Her eyes snapped open and she was met with the worried gaze of the stupid green haired man who kissed her not too long before.

"You're safe here! Calm down"

Zoro pulled her into his embrace and to her own surprise she cried into his chest with an intensity that she hadn't used for years. His arms wrapped around her and she lay there with him in the empty science room for who knows how long. Suddenly it didn't feel like he wanted to be with her for her beauty. It felt like he cared.

"I'm sorry for earlier" Zoro whispered after a long time whilst stroking her hair softly. The only sound in the room was the small sobs from Hancock and their breathing. She looked up at him and Zoro had to admit even with her tear streaked face she was beautiful.

"I wasn't thinking… but don't get the wrong idea! I…"

Zoro took and big gulp and lifted Hancock's chin so she would look at him as he spoke.

"Ignore that it happened Hancock, I care for you deeply so don't feel pressured from me. I won't force anything on you and I will be your friend and support you for as long as you need. I know it is a bit soon for anything else but when you ran away from me earlier… something stirred inside me, it hurt and I felt like I couldn't remember how to breath anymore. I have been running from these feelings for a while now, but I refuse to anymore."

How could Hancock believe him? Was he sincere? He did know her secret and he was one of the only guys who actually hated her in the beginning and seemed unaffected by her beauty…

"I want to be with you, and support you, and save you. I want to save you Hancock, from him!"

Hancock looked up shocked. She felt a whirl inside her stomach and for once she didn't know what to do. She had been confessed to many times before but for once it seemed genuine, Hancock wasn't even sure if this could even be considered a confession at all. Was he saying he liked her? He wasn't… he was saying he wanted to be her friend, and protect her?

"I… I… I don't feel the same… I'm Sorry" Hancock finally said looking away from Zoro in fear of his expression. He merely stroked her hair and gave out a small chuckle.

"This is why I don't get involved with women… I mean it though. I want to help you get away from that man, I don't need anything in return, I just want to save you. Hancock, you deserved to be saved"

Hancock said nothing and lay in his lap longer, her heart seemed to swell and hurt, fresh tears started to fall.

I deserve to be saved?

She might have feelings for this man but might wasn't good enough. If she was going to be with him then she needed to know for sure. Also it wasn't like she could be with him anyway. Her stepfather would never allow it. Zoro was strong but what could he do against her stepfather? Nothing really, not with the threats he used. However it was still nice to hear him say he would protect her.

"Are you even listening?"

"Huh?" Hancock looked over to her right to be met with an angry looking Sandersonia. Hancock dipped her head apologetically. She had wanted to be a little more present in the walk back home with her sisters, but too much was on her mind.

Had Zoro really meant he loved her?

"Sister! You're doing it again!"

Hancock dipped her head apologetically again.

"Sorry… I just have other things on my mind"

"That Zoro boy right?" Marigold mused not really looking at either sister. The two could tell Hancock was flustered about something and it was a welcome change that it wasn't over Luffy.

"What? No! Why would I lik… Why would have him on my min… You think I like him?"

"We think he likes you… and he is one of the rare people you actually pay attention to. Sister, have you not noticed yourself how you look at him?"

Hancock felt her face burn at the thought. Had people noticed? Was she that obvious? She knew she was obvious with Luffy but that was different. Zoro and she was such an odd pair, how would they even work?

Sandersonia shrugged and changed the subject. The two knew better than to pry into their sister's life. They knew she had secrets she wasn't willing to discuss and they didn't ask. She was tense enough already and asking about what was bothering her usually made it worse since she always tried so hard to hide it. She never spoke about anything to them; she only ever supported them in their problems. Sometimes they wished she would say something about her life, anything! Because of this it was nearly impossible for them to notice what hardships she went through at home because how little they actually knew her. Hancock let them know the real her but over the years she became good at hiding what she was really feeling about her stepfather, but only about him. How she felt about anyone else was an open book to her sisters. She hated hiding things from them but it was needed for their own safety.

The rest of the walk back was left in comfortable silence. Hancock however felt dread. She hadn't been able to talk to her sister's honestly for so long. She felt like she was hiding herself more and more just so she could keep her stupid secret. She just wished she could tell them so that they could go back to being the friends they used to be.

Zoro sat in his little apartment silently as Ace was eating the left over noodles they had just indulged in. He was staying the night since prom was so close and they had nothing else to do. Easter break had now officially started and they were attempting to make the most of it, however there ended up not being anything to do. He stared up at the ceiling noticing that several cracks stretched over the ceiling and he reminded himself that he had to fix them soon before the landlord noticed and forced him to pay more for his rent to make up for the damage probably caused during the training he wasn't supposed to be doing indoors. The break would be good for him, it meant he could work full time and save up some money but it also meant he wouldn't be able to see… her.

Zoro rubbed his hands through his hair. This was way too complicated for him. He didn't know what to do with his feelings and how to help the woman in her predicament. He really couldn't think about being with her unless she was safe from that monster. She would also need time to heal and she didn't even like him.

Zoro got up slowly from his chair. He was fed up with her stepfather. If he could he wouldn't let him touch her anymore, at all and if he so much as tried he would probably break every bone in his body. How could he even have the heart to let her go home? He didn't really see it as his business in the past, but now it was… it was way too complicated.

Ace looked up at Zoro who suddenly stood up, noodles hanging out of the edge of his mouth. He attempted to smile before sucking the remainder of the noodles into his mouth and swallowing loudly.

"What's up?" He asked

Zoro said nothing and groaned softly realizing the stupidity of his plans. What could he do for her? Anything he could think of could very well just back fire and end up making Hancock's life worse. If he beat the guy up he would get himself arrested and then the asshole would take his anger out on Hancock. Now he understood why she felt so bad about dumping the information on him, there wasn't anything he could do as of yet to help her yet he was still intent of getting her to safety and that included her family, even if it was at the expense of himself.

Zoro shook his head in reply and paced to his bed room as if to get something. He couldn't tell Ace the truth but maybe if he mentioned it indirectly he would have some good advice? Ace was his best friend and most trusted companion.

Ace had been Zoro's best friend for as long as he could remember. He was friends with Luffy in the grade below before meeting Ace. They got along well and were in a gang together once. If you really could call it a gang that is, it was just a couple of rebellious teenagers attempting to stop bullying, nothing Zoro was particularly proud of mentioning. Ace was of course around a lot, being Luffy's older brother, or rather adopted older brother. Zoro and Ace got along well from the start and being in the same grade just made it obvious that they should hang out since Zoro didn't really have anyone else. Eventually it was unheard of them being apart. Zoro wasn't one to open up to people so Ace was really the closest friend he had. He would come through for him when he needed him Zoro was sure. Ace was the type of guy that forced himself into your life and Zoro wasn't bothered to get rid of him, he enjoyed the company and the simplicity.

"Hey, Ace?"

Zoro asked not waiting for a reply.

"Hypothetical question here, if you knew someone who was getting raped, frequently but was protecting their family by not saying anything, how could you help them?"

Ace looked up surprised. He could guess right away that it probably had something to do with Hancock considering how he protects her yet hated her not too long ago. However he wasn't going to ask about it. She trusted him enough to tell him and clearly he knew he shouldn't mention it to Ace at all thus feigning ignorance about the situation was probably the best for everyone.

"If I knew someone who was getting raped…? Umm …"

Ace went quiet for a while to think about it.

"Hypothetically speaking, why wouldn't this person be able to say anything?"

"The person raping is the stepfather and he threatened to do the same to the sisters and mother…"

Ace gulped deeply, he knew Hancock wasn't happy but he didn't know she was in that big of a situation. What could be done?

"Tell the police? I think the best option would probably be to oust him. Yes, the family is in danger but would this person really be able to do anything if he is spending a life time in jail? Wait… he would probably vow to come back after prison…"

The two boys sighed heavily. Zoro was relieved that Ace partially knew. He felt terrible about telling him even if hypothetically but he needed help and she needed help. Ace wasn't one to judge. He himself didn't have the most perfect life and Zoro knew he could trust him with his life if he must. That was what was important right now. Hancock would understand hopefully that Ace was the only other person Zoro trusted and if she needed to put her trust in anybody other than him then it would definitely be Ace. If anyone but himself needed to take care of Hancock then it would always have to be Ace.

Hancock was in her room preparing for prom. She put her hair up into a messy bun and was slowly doing her makeup; she was going for simple dark colours to match her dress. Her stepfather had avoided her and the family seemed tense. Hancock was unsure why but decided asking would cause more issues than it was worth, as well as cause her unwanted attention from her stepfather since he was finally leaving her alone. Her mom was the one who was tense. Hancock thus decided not to get involved. She hated her stepfather unconditionally and she wasn't going to let him ruin her day, and whatever her mother was tense about was probably going to ruin her day. The day she was looking so forward to.

She didn't want to admit it but she wanted Zoro to see her in her beautiful dress, it was cruel she knew because she had rejected him but she still wanted him to think she was beautiful. Simple colours would bring her features out strongly. Hancock smiled but quickly frowned again when she could no longer ignore the yelling across the house.

"You don't even touch me anymore Ruyi!" Hancock heard her mother's voice carry over the house. She could hear cracks in the words and knew right away that she had been crying. Personally Hancock hated listening to other people's arguments but when it came to her mother and that demon, she always listened. Just to make sure her mother didn't suspect anything.

"Darling, you know I love you. I have just been really busy with work"

"Bullshit! You're almost always home when I'm not home! I know you can change your schedule but you don't even try. We haven't been the same for years, there is nothing here anymore, and I know you don't love me. If you loved me there would be at least some indication. I stayed with you for the kids but I can't do it anymore"

Hancock cringed at the language, her mother never swore.

"You're like this because there is another woman, isn't it?! I know you do! Is it someone at work? Who is the whore? You know what? She can have you! Because I as hell don't want you anymore!"

Again Hancock cringed. The blood rushed to her head as felt her heart beat loudly in between her ears. What was he going to say? Hancock wanted a black hole to appear in the floor and suck her away. She no longer wanted to listen to this argument but she couldn't tune it out either. She felt her hands tremble and slowly put the makeup brush back onto the desk. She stared at her own reflection and saw the fear obviously plastered over her face. She was so scared he was going to admit what he had been doing to her all these years. Hancock couldn't bear that. She couldn't bear the shame. She much rather deal with it than have her mom look at her differently with pity or even…hatred. She wouldn't be able to bear it.

"Honey, there is no one else. There is only you. I love you"

"No. I know the way you look at other woman. I have seen it. We haven't done anything for almost a year now! Did you think I wouldn't notice? Have you brought her home? Have you let her in our bed? It doesn't matter… I don't think I would want to stay with you even if there wasn't another woman so don't even tell me… I would rather save face and not know. I want you out. All we ever do is fight anymore, how is that good for the kids? I want you gone! Tonight, Ruyi" It came out as an angry growl and Hancock wasn't even sure she was listening to her mother anymore. She sat shocked. He was leaving? Was her mother kicking the bastard out?

He was leaving!

She was going to get rid of him! Hancock felt so relieved. Her sisters were no longer in danger. She was no longer in danger! What could he do to her when he wasn't even able to get near her again?

If he tried anything now her mother would call the police or something… it would work out right? He wouldn't kill them that was for sure. She knew the man was cold hearted but not that cold hearted.

Shuffling and the sound of her own heartbeat was all Hancock could hear without leaving her room. She didn't move hoping to make out anything faint but her heartbeat was too loud from her excitement. This didn't fix anything really, but it was a relief. A burden lifted. Their relationship or the relationship in the sick mans had spanned from convenience. Was this the end she had dreamed of for so long?

There was no more sound and eventually Hancock stopped straining her ears as a head was starting to settle from her exertion. Hancock slowly applied dark eyeliner at the end of her eyelids making sure not to blink and ruin her efforts. She ended in long elegant swirls and smiled at her reflection pleased with the outcome.

A part of her wanted to look pretty for someone other than herself for once, and she had to start acknowledging it. She blushed at the thought. Zoro wasn't much for physical appearance she knew but even still, she wanted him to think she was beautiful.

Hancock let down her hair pleased with the result of her makeup once done. Her eyes shown under from her pale skin and dark lips. Her smile looking seductive even if she said so herself. She brushed her hair out feeling how long it had gotten. She liked her hair long but the reason for her decision was not as appealing. She wanted to be able to put her hair up whenever she wanted without risk but that was just a dream. Nothing really changed. Hancock still had a secret to hide. It was naïve of her to think everything was fixed because that man was still free and even if she didn't hide the secret because he threatened her, she would hide it for her own pride.

Getting up Hancock slipped her clothes off and shrugged herself into her dress. It wasn't as beautiful as the one her stepfather had gotten her but still she could see it looked stunning on her. It was simple yet elegant. A dark blue colour that glittered in the dark, like the sea.

There were no slits on her thighs but the bottom half of her skirt was loose enough to bellow around her with the slightest movement causing a beautiful ripple as if she was wearing a dress made of water.

The bottom ended just under her knees and went all the way up to her neck. The dark dress ended in a V at her chest however transparent fabric covered her chest in the front and was covered in large straps in the back. The transparent light blue stretched all the way over her arms and formed into large long sleeves that you might see on a wizards robe.

Hancock did a spin and felt the fabric glide over her skin. The dress was great but even still it wasn't as perfect as the other one. It broke her heart that she couldn't wear it and her stepfather would spit in her face like that.

She really hated him, she was glad to see him go.

Pulling on her long dark blue heels, Hancock checked herself out in the long mirror and smiled at her reflection pleased with the results.

As if planned the doorbell rang signalling the arrival of her friends and the arrival of her well-deserved night away from home.

She walked slowly down the stairs, catching a glimpse into her stepfather's office. He sat there looking glum whilst packing up his stuff. He looked up at her and her breath caught but he showed no malice. Just a look of frustration. Hancock smirked ever so slightly, making sure it was unnoticeable. The bastard deserved much worse, he was getting off easy. She wasn't going to pity him.

Opening the door, Hancock smiled at her friends and stepped outside in the cool fresh air only to shortly step into the long black limo with a large smile.

"I'm leaving!"

Marguerite looked pretty in her short dress. It complemented her figure and although she was short, the dress made her look long.

The other girls all looked pretty as well, though not as pretty as her but still good. That was what Hancock loved most about prom; everyone dressed up and had a reason to try.

The limo ride wasn't long and Hancock arrived fashionably late at the most beautiful venue she could have been at. They sipped at tall glasses and chatted about each other's dresses during the ride over and Hancock allowed herself to be fully engrossed with the conversation and for once she felt like a normal girl. She didn't need to be afraid of what was awaiting her at home. She was normal now, living with her two sisters and single mother.

The sky was pitch black except for the bright sparkling lights that were interwoven in every tree they drove past to the front of what looked like a hotel. Lights were flashing from the windows and the girls could already hear the loud music coming from the large Victorian style building.

They stepped out in the cold night again and looked out at the beautiful decorations that cost a fortune no doubt. Flowers decorated every pot and the large wooden door was decorated with doormen to take coats and usher guests into the large dance hall.

Hancock stepped into the room and gasped at how large the hall was. Half was taken by tiny decorated tables, each with a name tag on it. Hancock set off to find hers. The other half of the hall was a large dance floor, where Hancock now realized a variety of music was being played, including slow and fast songs.

Beautiful white roses stood in the middle of each table with little food appetizers and a menu. Prom at this school was a big thing and Hancock was so happy to be here, especially with nothing to worry about anymore.

The hall was loud and many people had already arrived. Hancock spotted her name tag and realized it was next to her friends. She should have known this but anything could have happened.

Looking out Hancock realized that the dance floor was still quite empty, and chose to sit and chat rather than dance right away. She spoke and ate and spoke some more, the food was nice, the conversation was adequate but there was something else she was excited for. She wanted to keep herself from looking for Zoro but eventually she couldn't wait anymore and spotted him almost immediately a few tables away talking to his friends.

Zoro had arrived a while back with Ace and witnessed Hancock's entrance. Zoro had mixed up the times of prom and although they got lost on the way, they arrived perfectly on time and spent the minutes eating and talking. Zoro wasn't one for prom and especially not dancing.

Hancock looked gorgeous Zoro thought, the very idea bringing an uncomfortable heat right under his eyes. The dress was simple but anything else wouldn't have looked so perfect. She was floating around the room it seemed and completely outshined any other women in the hall.

Zoro noticed Ace was also staring and a pang of guilt hit him. Ace was his closest friend and they had never liked the same women before. They had completely different types, though Hancock wasn't at all Zoro's type that was true. He couldn't really help who he fell in love with though. As if Hancock could hear his thoughts she turned and their eyes met. A small smile appeared on her lips making her look even more radiant than before.

Hancock felt butterflies in her stomach twirl and she smiled at the feeling. She wanted to go tell Zoro the good news but she wasn't sure if he would be uncomfortable about her rejection. Her stomach did another flip. She wanted to dance with him.

Zoro watched Hancock get up and walk towards him. Her smile was wide but her eyes seemed nervous. She strolled gracefully but Zoro noticed the uncertainty in her step. He smiled to himself, clearly he knew her well enough to notice even those little things.

"Hi…" She said as she approached. Zoro watched her from his seat, trying his hardest to cover up his smirk.

Hancock noticed it and scowled. This was already hard enough for her.

"Hey" he said back. He looked confident and smug but he was also slightly nervous about this whole encounter. Yes, his pride was hurt from the rejection but he understood that she loved Luffy and couldn't really love anyone because of her problems at home.

"I ugh… I have good news!" Hancock's face suddenly cracked into a large smile and she looked the happiest she had ever looked. He had never seen such a genuine smile and she looked breath taking. Zoro hadn't realized he was silent until she frowned slightly from his lack of response.

In the background a slow song started to play but neither listened closely enough to figure out which song it was.

"I can fill you in during a dance…? I mean you don't have to but… I like to… you know" A large blush took over Hancock's face and she hugged her arms to her chest in a nervous manner that Zoro thought was absolutely adorable.

Zoro got up his suit fitting him perfectly even with his lack of style. It was a normal black suit but the simple style was perfect for his rugged rough features and seemed to smooth him out a bit. He grabbed to hand and gently led her to the dance floor. Hancock was well aware of the stares and that her blush was probably very obvious. This was the first time Hancock was willingly dancing with someone at prom, she preferred alone because no one could dance and she never showed any interest in men beside Luffy. Hancock didn't like Luffy anymore she was sure. She had to let him go anyway.

Luffy was special, he didn't really look at girls so if he was with someone it meant he actually really liked them, and Nami was nice, and pretty… Hancock hated to admit it but they suited each other because Nami took care of Luffy, and vice versa.

Zoro was different, once he knew what he wanted he went for it and he knew he wanted Hancock even if she was in her own words "damaged". To him she was perfect, but she had a difficult life and she had a difficult personality. He looked past that and at her, and her alone. His hand snaked around her waist and he pulled her close holding her hand in his. Her free hand rested on his shoulder, her blush smouldering. Hancock was aware with her heels that she was taller than him but it didn't seem that obvious especially since he had such a large and strong presence.

"So what is the good news?" Zoro asked after a while.

Hancock smiled moving closer into Zoro's arms. She could smell his musky scent and felt her legs go under her. Zoro held her up and didn't ask for an explanation, good thing too because she wasn't sure if she could explain that she was falling for him heavily, although she owed it to him.

"My mother, kicked my stepfather out today. When I get home tonight, he will be gone!" Hancock said softly in an attempt to contain her excitement.

Zoro stopped dancing, and let his arms and jaw drop.

"Are you serious?"

Hancock nodded.

"That's amazing! That's fantastic!" Zoro exclaimed grabbing Hancock and lifting her with a spin. They laughed together and he pulled her close again. She was going to be free! Finally she can start to be happy!

He pulled her into a dance again, their body heat meshing together as their fingers intertwined.

He was so graceful, Hancock felt as he spun her. She felt like she was gliding and it wasn't just because of her dress anymore. There was silence but it was comfortable.

The music changed but it went unnoticed. Hancock suddenly felt uncomfortable. Just because things changed at home doesn't mean she was perfectly ready to move on into something new. Although that didn't stop her from wanting to move on.

"So what happens now?" Zoro asked noticing the dance floor was suddenly full of people.

Not far from them was Robin with her boyfriend Franky that didn't go to the school, as far as Zoro could remember he was an engineer, he also noticed Nami and Luffy. Both couples looked amazing together and Zoro was pretty sure he could see Robin's fan's hearts breaking. She looked graceful and beautiful but Franky looked awkward, even still she looked happy to be with him. The same went for Nami and Luffy, besides the fact that he was eating they looked like they were in their own little world together and that no one could disturb them.

Zoro hoped Hancock hadn't noticed them. It was a pain to have to admit that Luffy was his rival in love, out of all the people that attended that school, why Luffy?

Sanji was flitting about he noticed with all kinds of different women and Ace seemed to be talking to that friend of Hancock which took some stress off his shoulders. Sanji, Zoro knew was not happy with the development that practically all the gorgeous available women in school were "taken".

Hancock watched Zoro as he scanned the room and eventually laid his eyes back on her. They were soft and full of love. She wasn't used to this. He really wasn't the romantic loving type but she soon realized that once he fell in love that he was the sweetest most amazing man she could ever meet. She knew he would wait for her to be ready. She knew he would never do anything she didn't want him to do. He just cared about her, he just loved her…

"I don't know what happens…" Hancock finally replied looking away from him.

Zoro wanted so much to kiss Hancock right now. She was so beautiful, but he wouldn't. They were dancing so close to each other and he didn't want to scare her away. He finally got her to trust him again.

As if reading his mind Hancock moved her hand to rest behind Zoro's head and pulled him gently towards her.

Her lips pressed firmly against his for a few moments and then pulled away again.

Zoro stared at her with shock but also happiness. He was over the moon and without thinking he pulled her close for a more passionate kiss, she let him and didn't pull away. He didn't open his mouth however; he knew it was too soon for that. They kissed for a while and pulled away. He stared at her with a tenderness, sighing with relief that he didn't screw things up by kissing her again.

"What does this mean…?" He asked unsure whether they had progressed somewhere along the line or that she was just high off the happiness that her stepfather was getting kicked out.

"It means…" Hancock started, a giant blush taking over her face.

"That I love you"

Zoro stepped away shocked and stared at her, looking for a hint that she was lying or pulling his leg, but there was just a nervous beautiful girl who was obviously being sincere about her feelings. Hancock took his hands into hers and stared into his eyes.

"I love you Roronoa Zoro, will you be my boyfriend?"

I feel you deserved more of my amazing words because I took way too long to update. It's summer so I'll try to work faster.

I was wondering if I made a twitter or Tumblr or something would you follow me? I mean I would put up previews and updates on it if you want?

They finally technically got together woooo! :] I hope you like it. I mean things will still be hard but I hope you will continue to stay with me!

Another thing, if I had like a personal email up or something would you want to talk to me?

I just want to get to know my readers better so yes review your hearts out and talk to me if you want.

If you think I've taken too long to update just PM me evil messages about what a horrible person I am :P Just don't be too mean ._. You might make me cry!