A/N: I got the title of this story from a song.

Warning: Rated for abuse, violence, swearing, and more. TW for detailed descriptions of child abuse and mentions of suicide.

Also, in NO WAY do I support abuse of any kind.

"Diamond in the rough: The person that is the equivalent to a shining diamond in the middle of all the bad things..."

Chapter 1: New Beginning

*beep beep beep*

At the sound of his alarm, Luffy's eyes snapped open. 6 am. It was still dark outside, and the house was silent, but Luffy knew it was time to get up. Slowly he sat up in his bed, his body still sore and aching from the previous day. Luffy trembled, remembering the events that had taken place not too long ago. He gripped his shaking hand, a determined look forming on his face. Come on, Luffy. Pull it together. Today should be a good day... well, at least better than yesterday.

Today was his first day at a new school. Luffy had to transfer out of his last high school for various reasons. So now, he and his grandfather had switched cities and moved into a different apartment, far away from their past.

Clasping his hands together, Luffy rose and stood in his small room. Cardboard boxes were stacked away in a corner, evident of their recent move. Luffy hadn't had the time to put everything away, so he just piled the few boxes up on the side. It's not like he had many personal belongings, anyways. Since he and gramps had come to this rundown building, Luffy had spent his spare time finding a job, to support himself and the old man. Garp used to be a police officer, but not too long ago he decided to retire after nearly forty years of service. But he still has a lot of influence in the policing world, and is very well known for dedicating his time to justice.

So finally after a week of asking around and going through many interviews, Luffy had finally been hired at a coffee shop called Caffee Bene, only a few blocks away. His new work would start today, right after school.

Sighing heavily, Luffy made his way down the narrow and dirty hall of their new apartment. Except this place wasn't new. Sure, new to them, but this building had been here for at least thirty years, and it was clearly showing its age. A cockroach crawled past on the carpeted floor in front of Luffy, who all but gagged at the sight. I'll have to take my time cleaning this place... He quickly grabbed a nearby shoe and whacked the little creature. Gross!

After cleaning the bug's mess, Luffy went to the kitchen and washed his hands. He glanced at the clock on the microwave. 6:08. Garp would wake up soon. I need to get started on breakfast!

Luffy went to the living room and searched through one of the many boxes before retrieving a cooking pan. He moved a few more things around until he found all the tools he needed to prepare their meal. Moving to the fridge, Luffy pulled out some eggs and bacon that he had bought at the store a few days ago. He placed the two pans on the stove, and heated them up.

It didn't take long for the stove to warm, so Luffy went to work, cracking the eggs and placing the bacon on the pan. Luffy looked to the clock, which read 6:23. Not long until gramps is up. Luffy frowned at the thought. I just hope the old man is pleased with the food.

The bacon and eggs finished cooking, so Luffy took this opportunity to pop some bread into the toaster. Let's see... I've made scrambled eggs, bacon, toast... but what am I missing? Luffy gasped as he realized that he forgot the drinks! He went back to the fridge, relieved to find a carton of milk left.

Luffy had just set the kitchen table as his grandfather made his way down the hall. Heavy steps alerted Luffy to the old man's presence. His blood ran cold as the man appeared before him.

"I m-made breakfast..." Luffy stuttered. He was slightly surprised that the old man wasn't holding his head from a massive hangover, considering how much expensive alcohol he'd drunk the previous day. Last week as a going away present, Garp's friends had given him several bottles of high-quality beer and wine. Those bottles were now lying on Garp's bedroom floor, completely empty.

Garp ignored Luffy and sat down at the table. He looked at the plate in front of him, taking in the appearance of the food, before he picked up his fork and gave the eggs an experimental taste.

Luffy watched the man's actions closely, not wanting to sit down after him. He froze as the older man turned to him.

"You've improved," he said simply, before continuing to eat his meal. Luffy sighed with relief, but he stiffened as the man spoke again. "Well, what are you waiting for, boy? Get some food and come sit down."

Luffy relaxed his muscles forcefully as his grandfather gestured to the seat across from him. Quickly, Luffy served himself some eggs, ignoring the bacon and toast, and sat down.

"So," Luffy hesitated as he brought the fork to his mouth, and waited for his gramps to continue, "today's your first day at that new school, huh?"

Luffy ignored the hunger in his stomach as he set his fork back down. "Yes, sir."

"Have you got any plans for after school?"

Luffy swallowed the lump in his throat. "Y-yes, sir. I have to go to my new job at the coffee shop."

His grandfather lowered his head, shadows covering his eyes. "Then I expect you to be back right after work." His voice was cold and strict.

"Y-yes sir. I plan to."

"Good." He raised his head and looked the frightened teen dead in the eye. "Well, boy, you better be off."

Luffy nodded and stood, picking up his unfinished meal and putting it away. "I'll be back when my shift ends at seven." Garp gave a single nod, returning his attention to his food.

Luffy went back to his cramped bedroom and dressed slowly, not wanting to agitate his injuries. Putting on a plain white t-shirt, Luffy covered it with the school assigned long-sleeved shirt. Luffy then slid on his black trousers and brown shoes to complete his uniform. At least I don't have to wear a tie. Luffy remembered the bothersome garment that was required to wear at his last school, and sighed at the painful memories that it brought.

He had never wanted to leave his old home. He had never wanted to leave his friends behind. He had never wanted to leave his life behind. Ace, if only you were there, then we wouldn't have had to move away. Luffy thought briefly of his older brother, who had left for college years ago. Since he had left, the situation at home had worsened.

Shaking his head, Luffy finished buttoning the top and tucking it in his pants. He then went to the mirror which was fastened to the closet door, and looked himself over. At least everything's covered. Luffy took out a comb and attempted to brush out the unkempt mess of hair on his head. His fingers trailed over the scar under his left eye, which was healing quite nicely. His dark eyes lingered on his mirrored ones, taking in all of the pain and suffering he saw lying in the midst. He hoped that others couldn't see it as clearly as he could.

Luffy pouted at his face in the mirror, wanting everything to be different. He closed his eyes, wishing everything to just be a bad dream, but fate was cruel as he opened them in the same dirty bedroom as before. Luffy sighed again, which was becoming more and more common as time went on.

He looked back to the mirror, and practiced his smile. Luffy was becoming quite the master of the false smile, and he used it everyday now. He focused on the grin plastered on his lips, which could easily fool the smartest person into thinking he was okay. Though there would always be the occasional person it wouldn't work on, of course.

His smile lifted into a true one, as Luffy thought of all the new friends he would make at school today. Yosh! It's time to start a new life!

Ω Ω Ω

*beep beep beep*

Zoro grunted at the sound of his alarm, pulling the covers back over his face. Monday, ugh. He grumbled as he hauled himself out of bed, not wanting to go through another week of school when he was only a sophomore. Why can't I be a senior already? I just want to graduate, get my damn diploma, and get the fuck out of that place. His mind swarmed with directionless, angry thoughts, as he got up and pulled on a clean shirt.

After he finished dressing, Zoro walked into his kitchen, grabbed a piece of bread, and was out the door. He wasn't a morning person, so he woke up as late as possible. Since school started at 7:20, Zoro figured that 7am would give him just enough time to get ready and go.

He walked down the street, thinking he'd have another boring day ahead of him. Zoro's mind went to his group of 'friends', who bugged him like there was no tomorrow. Especially that damn swirly brow, Zoro growled, thinking of the blonde guy that annoyed him even more so than the others.

Suddenly, a small body bumped into Zoro, bringing him out of his thoughts. "Hey! Watch where you're going."

The little boy that ran into him backed up immediately. "S-sorry! I wasn't looking where I was walking, and then I tripped."

Zoro scanned the teen in front of him, noticing what a scrawny frame the kid had. The boy was small, both in size and weight, and literally had no meat on his bones. His clothes seemed too big for him by the way they hung off his body. Looking closer at the uniform, Zoro noted the emblem on his shirt pocket. "Hey kid. Do you go to Ginsei High?"

Said teen looked up, smiling. "Today is my first day! But how did you know?"

Zoro sighed. What an idiot. "Your shirt pocket. Every student that goes there has the same mark."

Luffy glanced down, taking in the information. He then turned to the taller man, sticking out his hand. "I'm Luffy. What's your name?"

Very formal. Zoro grasped the tiny hand in his, wondering how such a small child was in high school. "Zoro," he replied.

Luffy smiled again, which was starting to creep Zoro out a little. The smaller teen then gasped as he looked down at his watch. "Ah, Zoro! It's 7:15! We're going to be late!"

"Calm down, school doesn't start for another five minutes. We won't be tardy."

Luffy glanced up at the green-haired male with a panicked expression. "But it's my first day! I don't know where any of my classes are."

Zoro sighed again. His morning was being ruined by a loud-mouthed kid who had way too much energy to spare. "I'll show you where your first period class is if you give me your schedule."

Another warm smile formed on the boy's face. "Thanks, Zoro! You're a lifesaver!"

Zoro looked at the smiling teen who handed him his paper schedule. Well, I guess he is kinda cute, even with that scar... which seems kinda fresh. Peering a little closer at the teen's face, Zoro saw that the crescent shaped scar under his eye was still healing. Something made that recently. He then turned his attention to the folded paper that the boy placed in his hands. Sophomore, huh? He might have some classes with me...

Yet he focused only on the first class, ignoring the rest of the schedule. "First period Algebra 2 with Kuro-sensei? I have that class too. I'll show you the way."

The little smile grew bigger at the taller man's words. "Thanks, Zoro! Let's go!" Luffy grabbed Zoro's arm and proceeded to drag him towards the school.

Damn! For such a small size I thought he'd be a total weakling! But his grip is like iron, I can't break free! Zoro struggled in the raven haired kid's hold. He sighed again, realizing that fighting it would be pointless. From that moment on, Zoro kept pace with the boy, letting himself be carried away.

The two earned many looks from other students as they entered the campus and made their way to the second floor.

"Room 206. Yay! We found it, Zoro!"

Zoro pulled his arm free, glad to have it back in his control again. He sighed at the kid's antics, but found a small smile creeping up on his lips.

Turning around suddenly, Luffy caught a glimpse of Zoro's smile, and returned it with one of his own cheeky grins. Zoro quickly avoided the obsidian eyes as he felt a slight heat rise to his cheeks. "What are you waiting for? Go ahead inside."

The smile on the boy's face faltered, not highly noticeable, but it was is if he took a dislike to Zoro's choice of words. His eyes also lost some shine to them, and the black orbs looked down. What did I do? All I said was 'what are you waiting for'...?

Luffy turned back to the door so Zoro couldn't see his face. "Yeah... let's go." His voice had lost the excitement that it had only moments ago.

Did I say something wrong?! Zoro screamed in his mind, wondering what could have caused such a drastic change in the young boy. Unconsciously, Zoro felt his arm reach out, until his large palm was resting on the teen's boney shoulder. Damn... I thought this kid was skinny, but this is ridiculous! Is he eating right? His mind wandered over several thoughts of the teen, hoping he was as fine as the earlier smile had let on.

Luffy leaned into the warm touch for a brief moment before turning back around to face Zoro. Zoro let his arm drop to his side. Luffy had a bright smile plastered on his face, eyes closed from the wide grin. "I'm fine, Zoro, just a little tired. Let's go, the bell will ring soon."

At first glance, Luffy looked back to normal, his happy, smiling self. But Zoro managed to see through the act. He frowned as Luffy turned once more to the door, twisting the knob and revealing their first period class.

Still, Luffy was right about the bell, for as soon as the two entered the class and shut the door behind them, it had rung.

"Good to see you're not late, Zoro-san. You may take your seat." A tall figure appeared in front of the two, and Zoro moved to the back of the class for his usual place. "And who are you?" Zoro sat and looked up as their intimidating teacher questioned the small boy.

"Um... I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and I -uh- just transferred here today." Zoro wasn't surprised that the kid could barely meet Kuro-sensei's gaze. Their sensei was tall and lanky, and seemed to have a permanent frown set in stone. His aura was also dark and menacing, sending people away with one look.

"Yes, I know who you are. Just testing your courage." The black haired man leaned down to whisper in Luffy's ear, earning a shiver from the younger. Zoro strained himself to hear their words. "You know, not many have the guts to even speak in front of me. Something about me being scary, I don't know," their sensei whispered, and winked as he stood once more. "But of course I know your name," he said much louder this time, as if wanting the rest of the class to hear him. "Who else transfers in the middle of the first semester? Now, you may take a free seat in the back, Luffy-san."

"Okay," Luffy shot the man a weary smile before he walked over to the back of the class, and rested in an empty chair next to Zoro.

Zoro couldn't help but be a little glad that the kid shared his first class, and since he seemed nice, Zoro decided that he should get to know him a little better.

Ω Ω Ω

"Psst."

A small noise sounded to Luffy's right, so he turned to see a tan boy with black curly hair. His nose was oddly long.

"I'm the great Usopp, nice to meet 'cha!" The student introduced himself in a whisper, smiling.

Luffy returned the grin, wanting to make lots of friends. He glanced up at the front, seeing as Kuro-sensei was busy lecturing the class, and turned back to the new face. "I'm Luffy!"

Usopp nodded at the obvious information. Lingering curiosity was evident in his black eyes. "So Luffy, why did you move here? Sensei was right, it's unusual for people to transfer at this time."

Luffy gulped, thinking back to an earlier conversation between him and his guardian.

'Now, Luffy. If anyone asks you why you moved, what will you say?' The large, buff man loomed over the boy, who was kneeling on the floor.

'I-I'll just say that...' Luffy desperately searched his mind for an answer that would please the raging beast of a man before him. '...that I moved for family reasons?'

The man glared down at him, swaying slightly on his feet, still clutching his bottle of alcohol. 'Good enough.' The person stumbled to the living room and plopped down in a recliner, taking another swig from the bottle.

Luffy crawled back down the hall, wincing in pain from the movement.

Coming back to the present, Luffy blinked at Usopp. He had prepared for this moment, and that person had made sure of that. "Family reasons," Luffy replied smoothly, with another false smile in place.

Usopp nodded, not wanting to press his new friend further. For now, at least. "Well, how would you like to sit with me at lunch?"

His fake grin grew into a real one. "I'd love to!"

Usopp crossed his arms, looking smug and pleased with himself. "Of course you'd like to sit with me. After all, I'm the most popular boy on campus!"

Sparkles appeared in Luffy's eyes. "Really?! Sugoi!"

A light tap was felt on Luffy's left shoulder, so he turned to see Zoro with a bored look on his face. "Don't believe everything Usopp says. The 'uso' in his name is there for a reason."

Luffy chuckled at the bad pun while Usopp glared at his green-haired friend. "Zoro! Don't tell him that."

Still giggling, Luffy turned back to Usopp. "What classes do you have next?"

"Well, next I have history, then P.E., and then we all have lunch."

Luffy pulled out his schedule to compare classes with his long-nosed friend. As it turns out, Luffy had a total of four out of seven classes with Usopp: Algebra 2 which they were currently in, P.E. third, biology fourth, and art class sixth.

"Wow, what luck! You'll have the mighty Usopp in four of your classes!" Usopp forgot to whisper, and loudly exclaimed this statement while standing up. Quickly realizing his mistake, Usopp sat back down, and glanced nervously toward his teacher. Kuro-sensei was glaring at the loudmouthed student, while Luffy had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Zoro facepalmed at the stupid outburst.

"Usopp-kun," Kuro-sensei breathed, "take it out in the hall."

Several students laughed, while a couple of the guys high-fived Usopp on his way out of the classroom. Luffy was disappointed that Usopp had to leave, but he felt better knowing he'd see him again in third period and at lunch.

As their sensei returned to his lecture, Luffy turned to Zoro. "What classes do you have?" Luffy was careful to whisper, and not yell like Usopp previously had.

Zoro let a small grin form on his features as he listed out his schedule, hoping he had more classes with this interesting kid.

Luffy's smile grew wider. "We have four classes together too! This one, English, P.E., and Music Theory. But why do you have a free period?" Luffy's head tilted to the side, confusion clear on his child-like face.

"Well, there's four main classes, a P.E. or athletics class, and that leaves room for two electives." Zoro rested his chin on his palm as he explained. "Nothing really interested me, so I only signed up for one elective and then they gave me study hall."

Luffy bobbed his head up and down. "That makes sense." He grinned again. "If you have nothing better to do during that time, you could always come visit me and Usopp in art!"

Zoro nodded, "All I really ever do during my free period is sleep anyways." Luffy giggled at the response, and was silenced with a glare from Kuro-sensei. Apparently the laugh was loud enough for their teacher to hear. But their sensei didn't send Luffy out in the hall with Usopp, probably not wanting to punish him on his first day.

Kuro-sensei continued teaching, so Luffy turned once more to Zoro, whispering, "Lucky!"

Here's some class schedules to make sure no one is confused:

Luffy's schedule: Algebra 2, English, PE, (Lunch), Biology, History, Art, Music Theory.

Usopp's schedule: Algebra 2, History, PE, (Lunch), Biology, English, Art, Mechanics.

Zoro's schedule: Algebra 2, English, PE, (Lunch), History, Biology, free period/study hall, Music Theory.