Chapter 5

Adella glared at her opponent and he returned the glower. She was about to grab him, but he put his hands up and caught hers. They began to shove back and forth, trying to push the other backwards. Adella was losing her concentration as her lips quivered and slowly began to curl up. She let out a huge laugh. She shoved forward weakly, but her opponent twisted her around and held her tightly in his arms. "Are we here to dance? Or are we here to fight?"

"I don't know," replied the blonde. "I thought we were supposed to be washing dishes?"

"Oh yeah, right." Sanji released Adella and they went back to washing the dinner dishes. She stole a quick glance at Sanji, then splashed him with some water.

"Oh, so that's how it's gonna be, eh?" laughed Sanji. He splashed some water back at her.

"Okay, okay! I submit." She continued washing the dishes. After a couple of minutes, the dishes were washed.

"Thanks again Adella, you really helped me out." Sanji dried his hands.

"You're very much welcome." She took of her apron and hung it up. "I just like to help you out." She had to admit, after the past few days, she really liked to be around Sanji. He was charming in his own special way. She got to know him well, and he showed her a side that she knew no one else knew about. She felt so lucky.

"You…do?" Sanji was just a little surprised. "May I ask why?"

"Because you're such a great person and I feel so lucky to have met you." Sanji was speechless. Had fumbled for words, but none came out. "Good night Sanji." Adella turned on her heel and left the kitchen. She hummed a little tune to herself as she decided to take the scenic tour to her room. It was a beautiful night on deck with a light breeze.

"Hey Adella." Adella jumped a little and put a hand to her heart. Zolo jumped down from the crow's nest and landed with a loud thud. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh no, you didn't scare me." She lied of course. She wanted to show Zolo that she didn't get scared easily.

"You seem really happy for someone who just washed the dishes with Sanji."

"And what's that's supposed to mean?"

"Doesn't it bother you that he flirts with you all the time?"

"Flirts? He doesn't do that with me." It was true. The only time he flirted with her was the day they met.

"Really? Weird. Oh well, Sanji's kinda weird anyway."

"No he's not. He's really nice and kind and stuff."

"So…you like him, don't you?"

"Not in that sense. Like a friend." She leaned against the railing of the ship. "I don't have feeling for him like that. He's almost like a big brother."

"Maybe you should tell him that. I'm sure he sees a lot more in you than just that."

"Zolo, can I tell you something?"

"Sure, anything. What's on your mind?"

"I do have feelings for someone." I can't believe that I just said that!

Zolo was a little shocked. "You do? Who?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Is it someone I know?"

"You could say that…"

"Is it Luffy perhaps?"

She laughed lightly. "Zolo, let me tell you something I told Sanji."

"What's that?"

She got closer to him. "I told him…" She turned and began to walk to her room. "Good night!" She smiled and laughed internally.

"You seem cheerful," said Vivi as Adella walked into the room.

"I'm happy, yes," answered Adella as she closed the door.

"I'd know that look anywhere," said Nami slyly. "You're in love with someone, aren't you?" Adella blushed and looked away.

Vivi squealed in glee. She grabbed Adella's arm and sat on the bed with Nami. "Tell us, who is it?"

"We promise to keep it a secret," said Nami.

Adella was happy to share her secret with them. They were her only real female friends, and they would never lie to her. "Why don't you try to guess?"

"Well, I say it's Sanji!" guessed Vivi.

Nami scratched her head. "I have to go with Sanji too. You're around him a lot. So is it Sanji?"

"Nope. I'm in love with…" She swallowed. "I'm in love with Roronoa Zolo." Her smile was met with frowns. "What's wrong?"

"Adella, Zolo…he's…not the type of person I would recommend for loving…" Nami didn't want to say this, but she didn't want her friend to get hurt.

"What do you mean?" Her smile faded as well.

"I don't think Zolo cares about that type of stuff," added Vivi. "Even though he shows you a side that none of us have ever seen, I don't think that he'll…"

Adella looked down. "I…see…But that still doesn't change the way I feel about him. I'll just give him some time."

"Adella, don't do it," said Nami. "I don't want you to be hurt."

"Stop worrying you guys. I'm not gonna get hurt!"

"Sanji's still single," reminded Vivi.

"It's Zolo I love," informed Adella seriously. "I will always love him. No one can replace him." No matter what they might tell me, I love Zolo. You can't change the way someone loves…