"Why haven't you chosen between the boys yet?" Zola sat down next to Kluke. The castle main hall was packed with many people. King Jibral had hosted a party for the town. Following Nene's defeat and the saving of the world, it only seemed fitting to follow such an act with a party. Bustling crowds, mountains of food and melodious tunes created the atmosphere. Whilst the boys were having a good time, Kluke had sat off to the side. Zola had socialised for a while and then wandered over to Kluke.

"Hey, Zola." Kluke sighed.

"You've been looking depressed recently." The female in blue offered a drink to Kluke. It was accepted gladly. "It's because of the boys, right?" Kluke chuckled in response.

"Not quite."

"Oh?" Zola's ears perked up. "You've been looking at them in odd ways. Why?"

"They...they seem to expect me to choose one of them. But they're old friends...they don't mean...that to me." Kluke stared at her feet.

"I see." Zola placed her arm on Kluke's shoulder. "You should tell them that."

"I can't." A shake of the head emphasised the sentence. "I can't put them out like that..." Zola met Kluke's eyes and held her gaze.

"Isn't it better to give them time to get over it rather than lead them on?" The staring contest was held for a few more moments. Then Kluke averted her eyes.

"Yes..."

"Well then," Zola patted Kluke's back. "Just tell them there's somebody else. If they ask who, just tell them it's private." A worried look appeared on Kluke's face. "What's the matter?" Kluke shook her head.

"Nothing..." Complete refusal to meet Zola's eyes tipped the taller woman off.

"There is someone else!"

"Shh! Not so loud!" Panicked motions of the arms made Zola chuckle.

"I see. Well, I won't pry. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here." Zola stood up, ready to go and tell the boys to stop wrestling.

"Wait!" Kluke reached for Zola's arm and tugged.

"Hm?"

"I...I-I've wanted to tell them for a long time. But I don't know how." Zola sat down. Her body language showed interest. She thought for a moment.

"Just tell them. You don't know what will happen. You won't know what can or can't happen unless you try."

"But..." Vulnerable. That is how Zola would describe Kluke at this moment. "What if...what if they say no?" Pleading eyes met Zola's.

"Then you'll have to move on." Zola patted Kluke's back once more. "Are they here?"

"Y-yeah..."

"Great!" Zola beamed. "Just ask them to step outside with you. If worst comes to worst, blame it on the alcohol!" Kluke stared at Zola contemplatively for a moment.

"..."

"Just have courage, and it will eventually work out. There's no time like the present."

"...Ok." The tiniest whisper. Zola nodded encouragingly.

"I'll come with you if you want." A moment passed where Kluke considered the offer.

"Alright. Outside is where they will be. Thank you, Zola."

"It's fine." A quick smile and a jump later and the two were making their way outside.

"Well," Zola took a breath of fresh air. "Let's go find him." She turned to Kluke. The poor girl was shaking. She was doing her best to meet Zola's eye but the shivering meant that a steady look was impossible. "What's wrong?"

"Z-Z-Zola..." Kluke stuttered out. A split second before it happened, Zola knew. "I l-l-like y-y-y-you." An awkward silence ensued. Kluke blinked rapidly, watching the older female closely. After a few moments of consideration, Zola sighed.

"Kluke...you mean a lot to me. I would hate myself if I didn't give you a chance." Kluke stared at her. Her eyes were so wide that it hurt to keep them that way. Joy welled up inside her.

"Do...do y-you m-m-mean...?"

"Yes, Kluke..." Zola sighed. "I will give you a chance...you're a special woman." She caught the cannonball of energy that launched itself at her and squeezed tight.

In time, Zola would come to realise it was the best decision of her life.