Note: Hello and welcome to my second fic! I hope you enjoy it! As always, REVIEW ME! lol
"Who's up for a jaunt at the Philosophy Club?"
Elphaba had sneered at the suggestion. She had more important matters on her mind. Tomorrow she would begin her journey to the Emerald City to confront the Wizard. The rights of Animals were far more pressing than lustful frivolities. Glinda, however, was more than willing.
"Pleeease, Elphie!" she begged. "I want to see what it's all about. I never get to do anything!"
Her whining was driving Elphaba mad. "We have no time for sex!" she hissed.
"Don't be sssuch a sstick in the mud." Glinda's speech was becoming increasingly slurred, an amusing effect of the wine she had consumed. "Everyone else is going!"
Elphaba couldn't stand it anymore! "Fine. We'll go, but only for a little while."
She figured the adorably drunk blond would pass out before they arrived. Though she detested sharing a cab with the Aggravating Avaric, she needed to keep an eye on Glinda. Her only consolation was that Fiyero would also be in attendance. She caught his gaze as she steered a tottering Glinda toward the cab Avaric had stopped. She found herself unable to endure the intensity of his eyes. It was an odd sensation.
After making sure Glinda was settled, Elphaba climbed in and sat opposite her roommate. Fiyero entered next and slid in beside her. Her breath caught. She hoped he hadn't noticed. She tried to focus on anything but those blessed diamonds. She found them even more mesmerizing than the sapphires in his eyes. Fiyero caught her staring, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"I'm glad you decided to come," he said. Elphaba's gaze flicked upward. Fiyero shyly placed his hand on hers. "You won't regret it."
Elphaba quickly snatched her hand away. His touch was like fire in her blood. She saw the hurt flicker in his eyes and instantly regretted her reaction. She wanted to apologize, but couldn't find the words. Instead, she looked out the window of the cab. The scenery bucked and jumped to the motion. Everyone else was chattering noisily.
"This is going to be a long night," thought Elphaba. She removed her glasses and massaged the bridge of her nose. She could already feel a headache coming on.
It seemed like an eternity had passed before the students arrived at their destination. "This is it fellows. Time to test our mettle," Avaric announced.
The friends filed out of the cab. While they waited at the entrance, Elphaba found herself standing near Fiyero. He smelled of incense and sandalwood. She breathed deeply, closing her eyes to imprint the scent on her memory. When she opened her eyes, Fiyero was watching her again. Elphaba blushed furiously.
"I-I'm sorry about what happened in the cab. I'm not used to being touched."
Elphaba stopped. She had never revealed that to anyone before, not even Glinda. What was it about him that made her want to shut down her defenses? Fiyero shrugged his shoulders.
"Consider it forgotten. Why were you so reluctant to come?"
Elphaba eyed him curiously. "You do know what type of place this is, right?"
"It's a lounge. That's what Avaric told me."
Elphaba snorted in disgust. "A word of advice, dearie…never trust anything that comes out of his mouth."
"If it's not a lounge, what is it?"
Elphaba explained in her usual blunt way. Fiyero's eyes widened with a new understanding.
"Oh. I don't blame you for being hesitant then."
"Everyone else is too drunk to fully care."
Fiyero leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I'm having second thoughts about this."
Elphaba tried to ignore the heat creeping into her face. "I'm only here to keep an eye on Glinda."
"I didn't realize you were friends."
"We're only 'friends' by necessity."
Fiyero laughed. It was followed by an awkward silence.
"Are you two coming?" shouted Avaric.
They hadn't realized their party was next. They caught up to their friends. A frightening old woman sat by the door.
"How many of you young things are going on this romp?" she asked, flashing three hideous teeth.
"Nine of us my good woman."
"I'm not good nor can I let you in. The largest group allowed is seven."
"What are you on about?"
Avaric, it's all right. Elphaba and I can go separately," said Fiyero.
Avaric smirked at him. "And I thought you had no idea what this was all about. The dirty little elf must have clued you in." Avaric sneered at her.
"I couldn't let you lead an innocent to the slaughter!" shouted Elphaba.
Fiyero gripped her arm firmly. "It's ok, Elphie."
"What about Glinda?" she hissed.
"We'll keep an eye on her for you," Crope and Tibbett offered in unison. Elphaba sighed in defeat.
"I thought you'd never settle," croaked the woman. "That's one seven of diamonds and one two of hearts. Enter and be saved." The crone folded her hands and bowed her head in mock prayer.
"Let's go gang," said Avaric, leading the way.
The crone's hand shot out and grabbed Elphaba's arm when she passed. "Don't be afraid to open up, my pet. Trust old Yackle." The woman winked at her.
Elphaba fixed her with a steady glare. "I will do as I please," she said evenly, before joining Fiyero inside.