Disclaimer: I own nothing, not even the computer I write on.

A/N: I'm back. So these are prompted but they're one-shots because me trying to write a drabble is like…it's just impossible okay. I needed something to get me back here because I miss Wicked. I'm hoping to update these once a week on Sundays from now on. The prompt list was put together from a collection of others by my lovely friend who had nothing better to do with her Saturday morning apparently.

A/N 2: For Dee, who nagged me until I got round to it. Thanks.

And now I'll just get on with it.

Know

There was something about the Gilikin Forest; something decidedly sinister and despite the fact that Fiyero knew he was making his way through the dense wilderness with a woman who was more than capable of defending herself, he plastered on a false smile and a chipper nature and prayed to the Unnamed God that they wouldn't meet a bear. He wasn't terrifically good with bears. In fact, that was an understatement. He was terrified of them. He assumed that the plan (should they meet one) was to run as fast as possible in the opposite direction - or at least, that was what he was going to vote for.

"Elphaba?"

She turned to face him, her eyes wide. "Yes?" She pushed her hair behind her ears, businesslike. Good. He was glad she was taking this seriously.

"If we met a bear, who do you think could run faster?"

She stared at him, her face expressionless - or was she just incredulous? He smiled faintly - weakly, knowing doom was now imminent. "Are you serious?" she asked him.

"Idon'tlikethem," he mumbled and made to move forwards but Elphaba pulled him back, her fingers tightening around his wrist.

"What?"

"I don't like bears," he said softly.

"I didn't quite catch that."

"I'm scared of bears!"

Elphaba bit back her smile but her dark, twinkling eyes gave her away. She nodded. "Well, if it helps, Fiyero, you can run faster." He smiled back at her, pleased she wasn't mocking him. "But I can fly." With that, she took hold of the lantern and ploughed onwards. "Are you coming or not?"

The answer was a definite yes. If she thought she was leaving him out here on his own, a walking target in his Gale Force uniform, she could think on. After all, if the Gale Force found him, they'd kill him slowly and possibly torture him for information.

Or worse, he could find himself wandering - blissfully unaware - into bear territory, wherever that was. He gasped. Perhaps they were wandering into it now. He trotted to catch up. "Elphaba, do you know where we're going?"

Elphaba shook her head. "No. Why? Do you?"

"Well, don't you think it might be wise to consult a map or something? We could be wandering into…"

Elphaba gasped. "…Into bear caves? Fiyero, a Bear will know who I am and let you past and a bear, I can deal with."

Fiyero opened his mouth to argue but was immediately silenced by an arched eyebrow. He knew that look. He knew when to be quiet.

"Good," said Elphaba, smiling at him warmly. "Do you want the lantern back?"

Fiyero glanced towards it suspiciously. "Why?"

"It might make you feel like more of a man," she said, winking at him. "And aside from that, it's really rather heavy." She grinned, nudging him. "I just need someone to carry my things and follow me around, telling me how wonderful I am."

It was mostly the same job he had done for Glinda but at least Elphaba was joking…or he thought she was at least. He grinned back at her. "I'm your man. Shall I have the broom too?"

Elphaba laughed. "Not on your life."

He shrugged. "It was worth a try." He listened to her laugh echo around the empty forest; not a cackle but a chiming of bells. He walked ahead and without turning to face her, said, "I think you're perfect."

She took his hand and allowed him to lead her further into the forest. "I know." She blushed slightly. "I think you're mad."

"I know."