A/N: As promised, I proudly present a spin off from Appearance, The Lake. The first chapter's set during the story, but before Boq's first in the story..if that makes sense! I found it quite difficult to write Bessa, I hope it's ok! If people like this story, I'm planning it so it intertwines with Appearance, sort of like a second view on the main plot. Quite a short first chapter aswell, sorry! If you haven't read Appearance, go read it now fool! But I guess its not important to have read it right now, it might get more important as I introduce Elphaba and stuff later in.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except a foil and a dream. And a nack for stealing Frasier quotes. I don't even own any fencing equipment..

--

Boq wheeled Nessa carefully down the sloping bank, careful not to trip on any stones. The lake glittered in the moonlight, and Boq half ran, half skipped to be near it, causing Nessa to squeal in alarm.

"Boq! You're going to tip me over!" She sounded slightly scared, but she couldn't help but laugh. "Honestly, Boq, you and your water." They came to the edge of the water, and Boq stopped carefully, making sure the bank where he had stopped the wheelchair wasn't too steep. He sat beside her, staring at the water. Neither of them spoke for many minutes, both drinking in the stillness of the evening.

"It's beautiful here, Boq. Thank you for bringing me here." She manouvered herself carefully so she was facing him. "It's so romantic." He smiled nervously up at her, and raised himself slightly to kiss her.

"I hoped you'd like it." He fidgeted with his hands, still slightly anxious at the thought of being alone with Nessa. As much as he liked her, he found her obsession with him unnerving.

"I do. But, Boq, it's late. Madame Morrible will wonder where I am. I don't want to worry her, she might tell Father." Nessa looked at Boq. "But I don't want to go." Boq laughed nervously.

"You don't have to. Simply say you spent the night with me-" he saw the horrified look on her face. "-Not like that! Say you didn't want to wake Morrible, and you slept in my bed while I slept in Fiyero's."

"But what about Fiyero? Won't he be there?" Boq didn't tell many people he shared with Fiyero, but Nessa was one of the few who knew, having bumped into Fiyero once when she was calling on Boq.

"I doubt it, he and Galinda are always out until the early hours, and he normally passes out somewhere before he can get to our room." Nessa couldn't help but notice the jealously tingeing his voice. "But, if you want me to escort you back –"

"No. I want to stay here. With you." Boq blushed. Even though he didn't love Nessa like he loved Galinda, he felt a connection with her. He wanted to protect her. She brought out a side of him that he'd never even known had existed. "Boq, I think I..I think I love you." She said the words quickly, dreading the silence that would inevitably follow. She doubted Boq loved her; she knew of his obsession with Galinda. But while they were together, she could fool herself that maybe, just maybe, he returned her feelings.

"I..I love you too, Nessa." He took her hands in his and kissed her, lightly at first, then more passionately. "I've loved you since the moment I first saw you." Both knew this was a lie.

"Boq, can you lift me? I want to sit beside you."

"You are sitting beside me, Nessa."

"I want to sit beside you, so our legs touch. I'm sick of that hideous chair with wheels, I want to sit on the ground for once in my life." Boq hesitated, then stood up and gently lifted her from the chair, placing her carefully on the ground. She was light to lift, and he felt a surge of love that he'd never experienced before. She may have acted strong, but he knew she was still venerable. He wanted to take care of her for the rest of his life, however ridiculous that thought would sound to him in the morning.

She rested her head on his shoulder, and he put his arm around her, pulling her closer. They both stared directly out towards the lake, enjoying the stillness of a perfect night.

--

Boq stumbled into his room the next day, his tiredness making his muscles feel like jelly. Fiyero was reclined on his bed, a book in his hand. Boq squinted at the title. "How to make any woman fall madly in love with you."

"Nice book."

"Cheers. Where've you been? Not like you to stay out all night. Wild night with Nessa?" He chuckled, and Boq stiffened. "Don't let Elphaba know, she'll kill you." He laughed again.

"It wasn't like that! We were just by the lake.."

"The lake?! Boq, you old dog!"

--

A/N: If people like this, I might carry it on. Don't forget to review/give me your feedback. Cheers! X