Sorry this is late guys. I fully intended to update weekly, but it's finals time, so I haven't been able to guarantee that. Hopefully it'll be somewhat regular after finals, but summer courses and a full-time job may hinder that. I guess we'll see. I don't own anything. Please review. You're all wonderful. ~ bwayfan25


Boq extended his hand and shook the Governor's.

"It's, uh, quite nice to meet you in person, sir."

"And you too, my dear boy. From what Nessarose tells me, you two are good friends," Frex said with a smile as he laid a hand on Nessa's shoulder.

"Two best friends," Nessa announced before Boq could say anything.

"Ah yes. So. What brings you here, Boq?" Frex asked.

"I came by to see Nessa, sir."

"Mmhmm. Nessarose, why didn't you tell me you were expecting a visitor?" Frex looked Boq over. "And one who seems like he's ready for a date, given the flowers."

"Uh, I didn't remember when he was coming by." Nessa's eyes flitted between Boq's wide eyes and her father's loving gaze. "Because he was on the fence about, uh..."

"Professing my love to a girl I have been in love with for so long," Boq finished quickly. His eyes found hers as she willed her cheeks not to flush.

"Well, I must say that is a huge feat. I bid you good luck."

"Actually, father, would you mind if Boq and I spoke privately. Just for a moment?"

"Of course, my dear," Frex bent down and kissed Nessa on the top of the head. Then he wagged a finger at Boq. "But no funny business while I'm gone."

He jovially clapped Boq on the shoulder before exiting to the hall and pulling the door closed behind him.

"You invited your father?" Boq turned on Nessa, speaking in a hurried whisper.

"I didn't invite him! He just showed up!" Nessa replied in the same tone.

"You didn't tell Elphaba did you? Or maybe let it slip..."

"No, of course not. It has been a secret and I have kept the secret well. Occassionally he just shows up," Nessa's hand rubbed her forehead. "I didn't even think that could happen this weekend."

"Is he staying overnight?" Boq asked, setting down his suitcase (which he had carefully hidden from the retreating Frex), and began to pace.

"I expect so. He's never had a reason not to stay," Nessa frowned. "I guess you'll just have to go back to your room and we arrange a different weekend to spend together."

"I can't go back. I already told everyone I was going home for the weekend."

"Home? As in back to Wend Hardings? In one weekend?" Nessa punched him in the arm. "No one's going to believe that!"

"Your sister didn't seem to, but Fiyero didn't mind. In fact, he seemed rather happy that I wouldn't be there this weekend." A look of comprehension dawned on Boq's face. "Oh my Oz. Fiyero and Elphaba are doing the same thing as us, but in Fiyero and I's room."

Nessa sat back in her chair. Boq watched her for a moment as she contemplated their next move. Her eyes moved slowly around the room as if she was seeing it for the first time.

"Okay. I think I have an idea," Nessa straightened up. "I'm going to go out to dinner with my father, but I'm going to tell him that there is a new rule in place in which we are no longer allowed to have overnight visitors. But, before you say anything, no such rule exists. He doesn't know that. Naturally he will go check into the inn, no later than 7 pm. You go hide in the library until then, and then you sneak in through that door. He gets me during the day and you get me during the night. I'll just sneak you out before he arrives. Not quite what we planned, but good enough."

Nessa pointed to her left at an old oak door Boq had never noticed before. Given the padlock on it was rusted, it most likely hadn't been opened in years.

"Where does that lead?"

"There's a private garden. I can't go through the door, but I'm the only one who has the key. Though admittedly I don't see that padlock holding anyone inside for very long if they really wanted to get out. Come to think of it, it might not keep anyone out well either," Nessa shook her head. "But that's beside the point."

"But how am I supposed to get into the private garden?" Boq asked, unconsciously standing on his toes to get a better look outside.

"You can find a way. Elphaba does it every other week," Nessa shrugged slightly."Though she normally comes in through the window."

Boq looked around the room again, and then nodded.

"This is a devious little plan you've got here, Miss Thropp," Boq smirked, his eyebrows rising. "I wouldn't have expected it from you. So much sneaking around. Should I be worried?"

"Elphaba may have gotten the blame and the credit for our childhood hijinks, but that does not necessarily mean she deserved it."

"It's oddly attractive," Boq whispered, wiggling his eyebrows as he leaned forward towards her.

"Well then... would you like to kiss me?"

"I would indeed..."

Boq leaned even further and kissed the tip of her nose. Her hand raised to his cheek, the little bit of stubble feeling prickly beneath her fingers. Slowly she guided his face to hers, their lips meeting in the middle.

"Now go," she whispered. "Meet back here at seven sharp. My father should be gone. And if he is not, pretend confessing your love didn't go that well, and do your best to pretend to cry."

"That doesn't sound too optimistic. I rather think the girl I wish to confess my love too would return the confession."

"Hmmm," Nessa placed a finger on his lips. "Perhaps you should wait until seven and find out."