Thank you so much to everyone who has read the last chapter, and enjoyed it! Big thanks everyone who has favorited and followed my story. Thanks you so much to the reviewer that I got. I appreciated reading your kind words!

Also question: How often would you all like to read the flashbacks about what happened between Adira's parents? I'm really interested in hearing your input, because I've done stories with flashbacks before and some people really like them and want to read more of them, while other people hate them and want them only here and there. I'd love to know all of your opinions on the matter before I go forward. I'm willing to be flexible to what you enjoy (though I am not cutting them out completely). Let me know!

Warnings: None! Except, smoking? Is that a warning? Idk.

Copyright: I do not own One Piece. That right belongs to Oda. I only own Adira, Khalil, and any other OC's I make up.

Chapter Three: Contemplation and Hobbies.

The loud clattering of dishes from the plastic bin reverberated in the kitchen area of the bar. Adira set the heavy container on the counter and leaned against it, wiping the sweat from her brow. As she worked to transfer the pile of dishes from the bin to the sink, Adira thought to herself, 'It's been two weeks of working here, and I already feel as if my body has been at war.'

Finishing her task at hand, Adira grabbed the now-empty bin, and made her way back to the eating area of the pub. It was nearly nine at night, and the room was filled with a cacophony of sights and sounds. Dim, warm lighting bathed the wooden interior, casting long shadows across the worn tables and velvet-cushioned stools. The air was thick with the mingling scents of hearty meals, aged whiskey, and the occasional whiff of a smoky cigar. Laughter and lively chatter filled the space, creating a symphony of voices that rose and fell in a joyous crescendo.

As Adira weaved her way around the crowded tables, taking people's dishes and cups as she made her rounds, a firm hand reached out and snatched her arm. Adira stopped walking, her bin of dishes placed on her hip, as she furrowed her eyebrows at the man who had her arm in his grasp. "Can I help you with something?" Adira asked cautiously, as the man's grip was very strong.

The man had an imposing demeanor that felt dominating even as he sat down in his chair. A thick cigar was perched between his lips, puffing small clouds of smoke towards Adira (which caused her to cough and wave her hand in front of her face, as she tried to dissipate the white cloud of smoke). The man has white hair that was coiffed into a spiky style. Interestingly enough, he had on a white jacket with green lining, and a band of cigars wrapped around one of his arms.

"You new?" The man asked gruffly.

Adira's eyes flickered to Khalil, who caught her gaze from behind the bar, as she silently pleaded for help. Trying to wiggle her arm out of the man's strong grasp, Adira said, "Yeah, I am. Can you let go of me?"

The man acquiesced to Adira's request, letting go of her arm. As she took a step back, Khalil came bounding over, wearing a bright smile. "Smoker, I hope you're not trying to scare off my new busser."

Not taking his stern gaze off of Adira, he said, "I'm not doing anything of the sort."

Khalil's warm smile was a stark contrast to the stern presence of Captain Smoker. She tilted her head, and her fingers deftly untangled a few azure strands that had escaped the confines of her bun, casting a playful veil around her face. "You intimidate people without even meaning to," she remarked.

As Khalil wrapped a protective arm around Adira's shoulders, she continued, "This here is Adira. She came to town not too long ago, looking for work. I gave her a job here, and she'll be staying with me."

Adira's gaze widened with a flicker of recognition as Smoker's name registered in her mind. This was the man Khalil had spoken of, the one she'd expressed a desire to be 'thrown around' by. In an attempt to quell the warmth creeping into her cheeks, Adira extended a hand toward him. "Pleased to meet you, sir."

Smoker accepted her handshake with a firm grip. He removed his cigar momentarily, pointing it in Adira's direction. "Khalil is a good woman. You're lucky to be working for her. Don't squander this opportunity."

Khalil's smirk hinted at a history between them as she placed a hand on her hip. "Now, you're only saying that because your rum is on the house, isn't it? Or is it because I can beat you up like I did when we were ten?" Adira's eyes darted between the two, realizing that their camaraderie stretched back decades.

With a stoic expression, Smoker replied, "Exactly. We were ten, and it was raining. It wasn't a fair fight."

Khalil rolled her eyes and playfully patted his shoulder. "Yet, I still beat you. Fair and square."

A low chuckle escaped from Smoker's lips. "If you say so." He turned his sharp gaze back to Adira. "I noticed that you haven't taken a break once. That's a good quality to have—being a hard worker." Not expecting his compliment, Adira looked away from Smoker and mumbled a quiet, "Thank you."

Khalil's smile widened as she locked eyes with Smoker. "Why don't you come over tomorrow for dinner? It's been too long since you've graced me with your presence, and it's the perfect chance for you to get to know Adira better."

Adira, feeling somewhat taken aback by the sudden invitation extended towards Smoker, raised her voice in protest. "Oh, no, really, that's not necessary..."

But Khalil brushed off Adira's objections with an amused laugh, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Come on, Adira. It'll be a great opportunity to bond. Just the three of us. What do you say, Smoker?"

Smoker took a sip from his rum bottle, maintaining a contemplative expression as he stared straight ahead. "Sorry, Khalil. I've got my hands full."

Khalil crossed her arms and gave Smoker an exaggerated pout. "Really? You're using that old excuse?! When was the last time you had a home-cooked meal?" Kahlil leaned in a bit closer. "I'll even make your favorite dish!" She sang out the words playfully.

After a moment of silence, Smoker eventually relented. "Alright, five o'clock," he agreed, his tone giving away a hint of amusement.

Khalil clapped her hands excitedly. "Perfect! I'll hit the market tomorrow morning. It's a date!" With a nudge on Smoker's shoulder, she sashayed back behind the bar, teasingly announcing their 'date'.

Smoker muttered in response, "It's not a date." However, Adira couldn't help but notice the subtle warmth in his eyes as he watched Khalil walk away, even though his overall demeanor remained neutral.

Adira gave Smoker a small, awkward smile, her gratitude shining through her eyes. "I have to get back to work. See you later."

With a nonchalant wave of his hand, Smoker grumbled out his farewell, "See you around, kid."

As the night wore on, Adira worked diligently, driven by a perpetual determination. She efficiently cleared off tables, the clattering of dirty dishes filling her ears as she placed them in her bin before making trips to the back to empty them out. The work was fast-paced and laborious, and Adira didn't allow herself a single break. She let the relentless rhythm of her job occupy her mind, a welcome distraction from the persistent itch of wanting to know who her parents were, the many unanswered letters from her boyfriend, and her nagging doubts about the state of her relationship with Ace.

By the time that the establishment closed, and the final patron had exited the bar, Adira was in the midst of wiping down tables and stacking chairs on top of one another. Khalil leaned casually against the bar, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation as she patted the wooden surface. "Adira, come over and grab a drink. You've more than earned it."

Setting the dishrag aside, Adira made her way to the bar and took a seat. Khalil, with her signature care, poured generous servings of rum into their glasses and slid one over to Adira. "You did good tonight," Khalil remarked warmly.

Offering a sheepish smile in response, Adira took a sip of the rum. The smooth warmth of the liquor cascaded down her throat, and she couldn't help but let out a satisfied chuckle. "This is really good."

Khalil clinked her glass with Adira's. "I only buy the best." After they both took a drink, Adira set down her glass and fumbled with her fingers, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Khalil? Can I ask you something?"

With an understanding nod, Khalil set down her glass and leaned in, giving Adira her full attention. "Shoot."

Adira bit her lip before sighing audibly. "When we first met, you mentioned that you loved someone a long time ago, when you were my age. You told me that you would have waited for him, and when he was going to come back, the two of you would have married. If you loved someone that much, why are you willing to move on with Smoker?" Adira's mismatched eyes locked onto Khalil, her interest evident.

Khalil took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "I did love him, and I was heartbroken when Aki passed away. But, sweetie, that was over fifteen years ago. At some point, you have to move on from the heartbreak." Khalil's smile held a touch of nostalgia as she reached out and took Adira's hands in her own. "You'll come to realize that moving on from heartbreak isn't a matter of 'if,' it's a matter of 'when.' Aki and I grew up with Smoker. Aki even enlisted with him around the same time. Knowing the kind of man Aki was, he wouldn't have wanted me to be sad forever. I think he would have taken solace in the fact that I've moved on with my life. And as for Smoker, he's not a bad man. He's kept our hometown safe from pirates and other criminals ever since he took over the Marine base here. He's tough, yeah, and a bit hardheaded, but he's a good man nonetheless."

Khalil chuckled softly. "You know, back when we were kids, Aki, Smoker, and I all saw Gol D. Roger's execution. I remember not being able to look when the time finally came for them to actually kill him. I thought I was a coward for not looking, but it was Smoker who told me that it was okay not to, that it didn't make me a coward. While he and Aki looked, Smoker let me turn my head into his shoulder, so I wouldn't have to see."

Adira's eyes widened in wonder. "That was here? The Pirate King died here?!"

Khalil laughed softly. "Yeah. It's kind of what Loguetown is famous for. Well, that and being the last port before entering the Grand Line." She paused to take another sip of her rum. "They still have the execution platform up in the town square." Raising an intrigued eyebrow, Khalil added, "I'm surprised you didn't know that."

Adira shook her head. "I had no clue." Her thoughts drifted immediately to Ace. 'Did he know when he was here?' she pondered inwardly, a sense of melancholy creeping over her.

The two of them sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the weight of the revelation sinking in. The execution of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, was a significant piece of history that Adira had unwittingly stumbled upon.

Eventually, Adira gave her glass back to Khalil. "Thanks. I'm going to go upstairs and head to bed. Night."

Khalil waved her off. "Goodnight, sweetie."

Adira's steps were heavy, like a soldier trekking through deep sand as she trudged up to her room in Khalil's cozy loft. Each step seemed to require an almost insurmountable effort, and she felt as if her limbs were filled with lead. The long hours at the bar had drained her energy. Once she finally made it to her room, Adira closed the door, stripped from her clothes, and laid down on her cot. Adira lit a candle, and took one of the many letters that Ace had written to her. With a sad smile, Adira's tired eyes scanned the page.

Dear Adira,

I don't know what else to say right now, other than this was the best choice I could have possibly made. I've met so many amazing people along my journey, each one more interesting than the last.

Did I tell you that I met Shanks a while ago? Do you remember who Shanks is? He's the pirate I mentioned to you once, the one that saved Luffy's life when he was little. He's a great guy. We ate and talked about my little brother. His company and his crew were all warm and inviting. Speaking of Luffy, I'm sorry I never introduced the two of you. I think Dadan would have liked meeting you, and so would Luffy. Maybe once I get back I can formally introduce you to them (Assuming Luffy doesn't become 'King of the Pirates' before then. What a goofball!). I wish I could have done it sooner. I'd be able to get updates on how everyone is on Mt. Colubo. I guess I always thought it'd be too much of a hassle to sail back and forth between our two islands (even though I was already doing that in the first place). Now that worry seems so trivial.

How is your cart going? Are you making enough berries? How are things at the orphanage? Is Nasi still being a jerk? I can imagine that she is. It's like that woman ate a devil fruit called the 'Mean Mean Fruit' and became the nastiest person around. I've met many pirates on my journeys and I have yet to meet anyone as malicious as that woman. Do you remember how she kicked me out that one time, when we first started dating, all because she hated my hat? God, that day was the worst. And she ruined our date plans by telling the ice cream shop owner to "not let in the hooligan with the orange hat, because he'll steal your money". It took us over two hours to convince Mr. Sansaki that I wasn't a hooligan and that I wouldn't steal his money. By the time we finally convinced him, I had to go home. At least he gave us free ice cream on our next date to make up for it.

Well, I got to go. I think someone is calling my name, and they need help to rig some sails. We'll see each other again one day. Remember my promise.

Love you,

Ace.

Adira set the letter down on the pile, and blew out the candle. That was one of his earliest letters, about a year or so after he left. The contrast was stark between that one, and the last one he had sent her. Adira wished she could know why Ace stopped writing to her, or what she did wrong. Perhaps one day she would know, or maybe it would be a question that would forever go unanswered. All she knew is that with every passing day, her faith in him was chipped at more and more. There was only so much more that Adira could take. Adira curled into her covers, and closed her eyes, as exhaustion was swiftly pulling her into the welcoming embrace of slumber.

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The next morning arrived with an insistent shake, rousing Adira from her deep, dreamless sleep. She blinked sleepily and, with a hint of grogginess in her voice, mumbled, "Geez, Khalil. What time is it?"

Khalil, already up and full of energy, pulled the curtains open, letting the warm morning light flood the room. She turned to Adira, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's nearly nine. Get up. We're going to the market together."

Adira, disoriented and still not fully awake, frowned and stared at Khalil, an unspoken plea for more sleep hidden in her eyes."I don't want to," Adira grumbled, her words laced with the languor of sleep.

Khalil was undeterred, her vibrant personality persisting. "Now, now. Don't be like that. It's a beautiful day, and I'm guessing that you haven't seen much of Loguetown. You're always working or in this room. You should get out more."

Adira snorted as she stretched her stiff limbs. "And do what?"

Khalil shrugged nonchalantly, heading to the wardrobe and throwing Adira's clothes at her. "Go see a play. Meet people your own age. Go swimming. Join a sports team. I don't know! But do something. There's more to life than working and moping in your room."

Adira's irritation grew, and her ears flushed with a faint tinge of anger as she frowned at Khalil. "I don't mope."

Undeterred, Khalil approached and picked up a stack of opened letters that Adira had been reading obsessively. She waved them in the air, emphasizing her point. "Uh-huh. Yeah, sure. Sweetie, every night I come and check on you, and nearly every night I see you asleep, clutching one of these letters. Enough is enough."

Adira quickly snatched the letters back, clutching them protectively against her chest. "What I do is none of your business."

Khalil let out a sigh and ran her hand through her vibrant blue hair. Her concern for Adira was evident in her eyes as she replied, "True, but I can still be concerned about you all the same." As Adira remained silent and unwilling to budge from her place on the cot, Khalil threw her hands up and said, "Fine! Fine. Have it your way. You don't need to come to the market with me. But when I get home in an hour, I don't want to see you laying in bed, staring at nothing. Got it?"

As Khalil left, shutting the door behind her, Adira flopped back onto the bed and pulled the cover over her head. She closed her eyes, trying to will herself to go back to sleep, but she couldn't.

"Damn it." Adira's discontentment was palpable as she flung her covers aside, and with a sigh, she began to dress herself. Her fingers methodically fastened the buttons on her shirt, and she cinched her pants in place with an absent-minded tug. The bed received a dutiful rearrangement as she meticulously straightened out the wrinkles and creases.

With her bag swung over her shoulder, Adira stepped out of the loft, greeted by the day's warm embrace. The sun bathed Loguetown's streets in golden hues, casting elongated shadows that danced along her path. As she wandered, her eyes roamed over each shopfront, a quest for something intriguing that might capture her interest. But the windows remained an array of unfamiliar curiosities, none compelling her enough to step inside.

Her stomach grumbled, a reminder of the emptiness within. Fingers fumbled with the bag's clasp, hoping to find an overlooked snack hidden within its depths. Instead, they encountered something unexpected. Adira's hand withdrew, revealing the card given to her by Daddy Masterson weeks ago. It bore his address, written in bold, distinctive characters. Adira traced her fingers over the handwritten address, a tinge of curiosity knitting her brow. Her thoughts danced with contemplation.

"Visiting him... is it too random by now?" She pondered. Memories resurfaced, particularly the day she had witnessed Daddy's incredible marksmanship, downing a speeding motorbike from an astonishing distance. "Fuck it. Why not?" She mused aloud, her voice barely above a whisper, as she thought back to the day she'd first crossed paths with Daddy. Her eyes held a glimmer of wonder, the precision of his sharpshooting that had left an indelible impression.

With the card clutched in her hand, Adira's steps altered, drawing her closer to the idea of visiting Daddy, though uncertainty lingered like a gentle breeze in the back of her mind.

Navigating her way through the bustling town, Adira approached the locals and inquired about the directions. After a series of helpful responses, she found herself standing before a charming townhouse, nestled in the heart of Loguetown. The townhouse, with its quaint design, featured a picturesque white facade adorned with vibrant flowers spilling from window boxes, and a welcoming cobblestone pathway leading to a polished oak door. It exuded an inviting charm, showcasing the tranquil essence of Loguetown in every detail.

Adira examined the card, then lifted her gaze to the idyllic townhouse, her expression one of bemusement. The adorable exterior before her was the residence of Daddy Masterson, also known as Daddy the Father? Her furrowed brows betrayed her surprise as she mused out loud, "Huh. I was expecting something a lot more...dim and grimy. Something, well, more serious." Adira nonchalantly tucked the card into her bag pocket and proceeded to traverse the cobblestone path until she arrived at the door. With a practiced knock, she waited patiently.

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Carol on the other side. The young girl, her light blue eyes fixated on Adira, seemed less than pleased by the surprise visitor. Arms crossed, Carol shot her an irritated glare and demanded, "You! What are you doing here?" Her tiny voice carried a hint of annoyance, and she maintained her defiant stance.

Adira couldn't help but roll her eyes at the child's judgmental demeanor. She leaned down, meeting Carol at eye level, and retorted with a hint of impatience, "Is your father here? I need to speak with him."

"Why do you need to talk to my papa?"

With a squint and an authoritative tone, Adira leaned in closer. "That's between me and your papa. Now, run along, be a good pipsqueak, and fetch him for me, alright?" Adira stood up straight and tapped her foot impatiently. Carol stuck her tongue out and ran off, yelling out, "PAPA! THAT GIRL WHO RUINED MY DRESS IS HERE!"

The wait didn't take too long before the heavy footfalls of Daddy echoed through the house. He swung the door open wider upon spotting Adira. "Oh, hello. What do you need help with?"

Adira took out the card from her bag, and presented it to Daddy. Khalil wanted her to do something to get out of the house, but she never said what it had to be. Daddy took the card from Adira, and with determination in her eyes, she explained, "I'm calling in the favor. I want you to teach me how to shoot."

Daddy's bushy eyebrows lifted in shock. "You want me to teach you how to shoot?"

Adira nodded. "Yes. That's right."

Daddy crossed his arms, and looked at Adira sternly. "Can I ask why?"

"I need to get out of the house, and I don't like sports. I don't see anything I want to buy. I have no friends. But, I was very impressed by how you shot down that motorbike the day that I saved Carol. I want to learn how to do that. Can you teach me?"

As Daddy remained silent, as if thinking about taking Adira on as an apprentice, Adira tried pleading her case. "If anything, it'll teach me a good way to defend myself! And you don't have to teach me everything, just the basics. We can also work around your schedule! Please! I'd like to learn." Adira's voice quivered and her mismatched eyes held a hint of desperation in them. "I need to do something for myself, something to take my mind off of everything."

Daddy didn't ask to elaborate what Adira meant. He just stood there before going inside for a moment. Daddy came out and said, "Fine. We'll start now. But if you ever complain about how hard things are, we're done. Got it?"

Adira bit the inside of her cheek to keep her from smiling, then answered, "I understand."

Daddy waved her inside, and Adira followed him, shutting the door behind her. "We'll start with the anatomy of a gun and work up from there." Daddy grumbled as he made his way to a room in the back of the townhouse. He approached a safe, spun the lock several times, and opened it. Reaching in, he grabbed a pistol, shut the safe, and locked it. He held up the silver gun and looked Adira firmly in the eyes. "This. Is. Not. A. Toy. Understand? This can be used to kill people, and it has. You have to be respectful of that fact, and wield this weapon responsibly."

"I understand." Adira's voice was solemn as she acknowledged the severity of what Daddy was saying to her.

Daddy put the gun on a table and said, "Good. Now we begin."

Thanks once again for reading this chapter. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses to this chapter, as well as my question! :D I hope you all have a fantastic day and I'll see you all next chapter.