AN: Chapter 3 is finally here! Maddy's prompt for me was: 'It's Fiyeraba's one-year anniversary and Elphaba decides to leave a trail of mysterious clues for Fiyero to follow to his present. Fiyero decides to give Elphaba a kitten.'
We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, and all the best for 2015!
Elizabeth. xx
Clues and celebrations
Smack.
"Oh, not again!" Elphaba groaned.
Galinda looked up with a frown. "Not what again?"
"Your card-kissing. You're seriously doing this for Lurlinemas as well? A card to every boy on campus?"
"Nope." Galinda shook her head, her golden curls bouncing about. "A card to every person on campus."
Elphaba choked. "What?" she exclaimed in shock. "To everyone? Kisses and all? Including…to the girls?"
Galinda giggled. "No, silly! The girls get a different card. See?" She held up examples of the two types of cards, prompting Elphaba to exhale in relief.
"You had me worried for a moment there, Glin," the green girl admitted.
"What are you doing?" Galinda asked, peering over Elphaba's shoulder.
Elphaba hesitated. "Well…can I trust you to keep a secret?"
Galinda's eyes widened and she nodded frantically, miming zipping her lips and tossing away the key. "What is it?"
"I know you have trouble sometimes, but…you haven't told anyone my secret, have you? About my mother? So…if you could…treat this one like that? Please?"
"I promise! I promise! Get one with it," Galinda cried impatiently, urging Elphaba on with her hands.
"Well…it's our anniversary coming up, and –"
Galinda frowned. "Huh? We have an anniversary? If you mean our friendship anniversary, you've got the wrong date, sweetie."
Elphaba rolled her eyes. "Not our anniversary," she said, gesturing between them, "our anniversary. Mine and Fiyero's. It's been almost a year since we got together." She blushed.
Galinda squealed and started bouncing up and down in excitement. "Oh, my Oz, so it has! So what are you going to do?"
"I'm not entirely sure yet," Elphaba admitted. "That's what I'm working on now. But I was thinking maybe it would be fun to make him work for his present."
"Oh, Elphie," Galinda scolded her friend with a tiny frown, "that is so mean. Unless you're talking about making him kiss you a lot." She giggled. "I'm sure he'd enjoy that."
"I don't mean make him do anything too hard or anything, just…well, I had this idea…it probably sounds stupid…"
"What is it? Tell me!"
"Well…I thought maybe if I left him a trail of clues to his present…"
Galinda squealed loudly. "Oh, my Oz, that is so perfect! It's so romantic! He'll love that! What's the present?"
Elphaba grimaced. "That's the hitch – I don't know what to give him."
"So let me get this straight," Galinda said. "You're not giving each other presents for Lurlinemas, but you are for your anniversary?"
Elphaba shrugged. "We didn't really discuss our anniversary in that much depth; we just sort of acknowledged it was coming up and talked about what we might like to do to celebrate. We never mentioned presents. But I want to give him something." She paused, before deciding to tell Galinda exactly what was on her mind. "I just…want to show Fiyero how much I appreciate him and everything he's done for me. I never dreamt anyone would want me…you know? So for someone like him to want me, and to go to so much trouble to make me want him, and with everything he's done…I just…" Her throat clogged up and she kept gesturing uselessly with her hands, unable to go on.
Galinda's eyes softened and she hugged her friend. "I know, Elphie."
"I love him," Elphaba choked out in a whisper as tears filled her eyes, and she wrapped her arms around Galinda's slight form.
"You need to tell him this," Galinda said quietly. "Just a gift won't do it. He's the one who needs to know how you feel about him; how much he means to you."
"I've tried…but…it was hard enough to tell you just then," Elphaba admitted. "I don't know if I can tell Fiyero. I've only just got used to telling him I love him."
Galinda's eyes lit up. "Then do what you do best!"
Elphaba frowned, puzzled, and pulled away to look up at the blonde. "What do you mean?"
"Write to him about it!"
"Write to him?"
Galinda nodded. "Sure! I mean, you said you wanted to leave a trail of clues, right? Well, incorporate your feelings into the clues. Maybe include things that are special to you both or something."
Elphaba nodded slowly, the gears in her brain beginning to whirr. "That's a really good idea, Glin. Thanks," she said with a smile.
Galinda wiped the tears off Elphaba's cheeks and returned the smile. "I can't wait to see what you come up with."
Galinda had been giggling at him all day.
It was very annoying.
And extremely frustrating. Usually, she couldn't wait to open her mouth and babble about whatever was on her mind. But this time… Fiyero sighed. He'd even tried asking her directly why she was giggling, but no dice. What was the world coming to when even Galinda couldn't be relied upon to divulge all her – and everyone else's – little secrets?
He couldn't get much out of Elphaba, either, but it was different with her. For some reason, she kept tapping everything and looking either worried or nervous – which, he couldn't quite tell. But it was starting to make him worried and nervous. It was supposed to be their anniversary, and here they were, barely saying anything to each other. It wasn't exactly as he'd imagined the day to go.
Finally, after lunch, Fiyero managed to pull Elphaba aside – the first time he'd managed to do so that day apart from a quick, "Happy Anniversary" and a kiss that morning.
"Alright, what's going on?" Fiyero asked lightly.
Elphaba looked up at him, and Fiyero could have sworn she batted her eyelashes. "What do you mean?"
"You and Galinda. She keeps giggling at me, and you keep acting nervous or worried or…something."
Elphaba chewed her lip for a moment before sighing. "I suppose you'll need to know sooner or later."
Fiyero immediately began to panic and he gripped Elphaba's arms tighter. "What? What do I need to know? Is there something wrong? Did something happen? Are you ill? Elphaba, tell me!"
Elphaba rolled her eyes. "Fiyero, calm down. It's nothing bad…I hope. I mean…if it is, then that's for you to say, not for me to say."
Fiyero frowned. "I really don't follow that."
"It's about tonight."
"Tonight?"
Elphaba nodded. "I…I've arranged something. For us. For our anniversary."
Fiyero eyes lit up. "You have?"
Elphaba nodded again. "I just…don't know if you'll like it. Galinda seems to think you will, but you know her. Always positive."
"And I know you," Fiyero added, "always negative. I'm sure whatever it is, I'll love it."
"Elphie!"
Elphaba looked over her shoulder to see Galinda waving her over. She turned back to Fiyero and quickly kissed him. "I'll pick you up at eight. In a manner of speaking." She paused, then added, "And make sure you wear something suitable. A suit, maybe."
"In a…?" But she was gone.
'In a manner of speaking'? What did she mean by that?
At one minute to eight that evening, Fiyero looked at his reflection in the mirror. He straightened his tie, made sure his hair was in place, and then checked his watch. At that moment, there was knock on the door, and Fiyero smiled. Always right on the dot.
He opened the door, but was confused when there was no-one there. He stepped out to have a better look and felt something crinkle under his shoes. Looking down, Fiyero saw it was an envelope with his name on it. Suddenly feeling a bit apprehensive, he opened the envelope and read the note inside.
'"Maybe the driver saw green and thought it meant go."
It wasn't the most romantic of pick-up lines, to be sure. And it gave me the perfect excuse to hate your guts for a long while. Every time I began to think well of you, I reminded myself of what you had said and immediately kicked you back out of my good books. And it worked for a while...but some things change, whether or not you want them to. At the time, I didn't know I wanted them to. But I'm so glad they did.
And now, here we are today, celebrating our first anniversary as a couple. I still can't believe someone like you wants to be with someone like me, when all my life I never expected anyone to so much as look at me. Tonight, I want to show you just how much I appreciate everything you have done for me and given me. Tonight, I want to give something back.
There's something waiting for you at the place of our first meeting. Good luck and I'll meet you at the end. I love you.
Elphaba.'
It was a very honest note, one which made Fiyero grimace, chuckle and become perhaps a little bit emotional in turn. Lastly, though, he was curious. Curious as to what tonight held in store; curious as to what was waiting for him in the courtyard. With one last glance in the mirror, Fiyero locked the door and hurried off.
The courtyard was dimly-lit and it was snowing lightly. Fiyero looked around through squinted eyes, but couldn't see anything out-of-the-ordinary. He ventured further over, closer to the far side, only stopping when he thought he saw a movement. "Hello?"
"Hello, Fiyero."
Fiyero moved closer to the soft voice and saw the outline of someone sitting down. "…Nessa? What are you doing here?"
Nessarose held out another envelope. "Fabala asked me to give you this."
Fiyero took the envelope. "Thankyou."
"Aren't you going to ask me what this is all about?"
Fiyero shook his head. "Elphaba obviously has everything worked out. I trust her." He noticed that although Nessarose was rugged up and had a blanket draped across her lap, she was shivering. "You should probably get back into the warmth," he said gently.
"Just a moment." Nessarose reached out and touched Fiyero's arm. "I just wanted to thank you."
Fiyero was surprised. "Thank me? What for?"
"For being there for Fabala. For loving her. For caring for her. For the way you treat her. For…well…everything, really. She's been so much happier since she found you. I'm so grateful to you, Fiyero," Nessarose said sincerely.
Fiyero smiled softly. "There's no need to thank me. I love her, and that's how it's going to stay." He bent down and hugged her.
"Happy Anniversary," Nessarose whispered, before pulling away and wheeling off with a small wave.
Fiyero waited until she was out of sight before attempting to read the second note. It was difficult to make out the words, in the dim light, but he eventually managed it.
'You tried so hard to convince me of your feelings, and I refused to believe you. I guess when a supposed playboy tells a green, social outcast that he loves her, it is kind of difficult to believe. But you persisted, no matter how much I insulted you or how hard I tried to push you away, and you somehow succeeded. The clincher was when you first kissed me. I had never even thought about being kissed in my life because I honestly didn't expect anyone to want to kiss me. And when you told me there was nothing you would rather be doing...the sincerity in that statement, and in your eyes...I believed you. I still do believe you.
That was our unofficial beginning; and, in some ways, I think that may be more important than our official beginning, because that was when I began to realize exactly how things stood between us. It was when I began to realize that maybe I didn't have to go through this life alone.
I'm sure you remember very clearly that first kiss. That's all I'm going to say.'
Fiyero grinned. Of course he remembered that first kiss. How could he not? Next stop: the cave.
"Elphaba?" Fiyero called as he stepped into the cave.
"Sorry to disappoint you, mate." Ryrrikka stepped forward and handed Fiyero a third envelope. "But Happy Anniversary, anyway."
"Aw, what, no anniversary kiss?" Fiyero joked.
Ryrrikka raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to be the one to tell Elphaba?"
Fiyero grimaced. "Okay, no anniversary kiss," he agreed hastily. He gestured to the envelope. "Thanks for this."
Ryrrikka shook Fiyero's hand. "Enjoy your evening."
Fiyero grinned. "I'm sure I shall."
Once Ryrrikka had gone, Fiyero tore open the envelope. He was becoming increasingly impatient to see Elphaba, and his curiosity was rising.
The third note read as follows:
'When we got together officially, everything felt so surreal. I was certain it was all either a dream or a cruel joke. I know you would never do that to me, but when you've spent your entire life being the butt of cruel jokes...well, it's hard not to think that's what everything good is. But it wasn't a joke and I didn't wake up. It was all real. It is all real. I was so certain you would want someone from the upper classes – and before you protest that I am from the upper classes, remember, Fiyero, that's my family, not me. I thought you would want one of those pretty, petite blondes who giggle over everything you say and constantly stroke your ego (not to mention the rest of you). Afterall, who would want a weird, green spitfire? Surely not a prince such as yourself, accustomed to nothing but the best. But you made it so clear that day that you genuinely wanted me above any other girl that I couldn't deny my feelings any longer. I am so glad I said 'yes' when you asked me that day to be your girlfriend. I know how much that moment means to you, and it means even more to me. Maybe you would like to relive that moment?'
Fiyero stood on the embankment for a moment, just looking at the tree near Suicide Canal. Elphaba was right – Fiyero loved reliving the moment when she had agreed to be his girlfriend. In that moment, Fiyero had finally felt like his life had a purpose. Instead of just being all about when he took over the throne from his father, it was now all about this beautiful girl he loved and who loved him in return. It was much more fulfilling than thinking about all those royal duties.
Going on what had happened so far, Fiyero figured there would be another note for him waiting under the tree. He looked at his watch. It was quarter to nine already. He really didn't want to keep Elphaba waiting.
He was only halfway to the tree when a familiar squeal reached his ears.
"Fiyero!"
Fiyero grinned, knowing instantly it was Galinda jumping up and down, waving like a lunatic. As soon as he reached her, Galinda threw her arms around him and squeezed him tightly.
"Happy Anniversary, Fiyero!" She began jumping again without letting go of him, the result of which was a crushed toe for Fiyero.
"Ow!"
Galinda immediately jumped back. "I'm so sorry! Are you alright?"
Fiyero tried to grin through his grimace. "I'm fine."
"This is for you." Galinda thrust another envelope into Fiyero's hands and flung her scarf back around her neck. "Isn't it so exciting?" she gushed, beginning to giggle at him again as she had done all day. "I think it's so exciting. Elphie sure can be romantic when she wants to be!"
Fiyero looked at her curiously. "Oh?"
Galinda slapped her gloved hands across her dainty mouth, her eyes wide. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! Oh, Elphie's going to kill me… You won't say anything to her, will you?" she begged.
Amused, Fiyero shook his head. "I won't say anything."
"Good. Just…forget I said anything." She paused, before narrowing her eyes at Fiyero. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"Aren't you going to read the note?"
"Yes."
"Now?"
"In…in a minute."
Galinda raised an eyebrow. "In a minute?"
"Uh…"
"Oh!" Galinda giggled. "You mean when I'm gone. You could have said."
"I didn't want to offend you."
Galinda waved him away. "It is offensive to not be wanted around, but this is your and Elphie's anniversary. She's got things sorted. I understand." She hugged Fiyero again and kissed his cheek, before skipping away, singing, "Happy Anniversary to yooou! Happy Anniversary to yooou! Happy Anniversary to Elphie and Fiyero! Happy Anniversary to yooou!"
Fiyero heard her take a big breath before starting again, and he shook his head with a laugh as he eagerly opened the envelope and read what he hoped was the last note.
'You will probably guess this one quite quickly, so I'm going to keep the note short. All I really need to say is that it didn't turn out exactly as either of us had imagined it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.'
Fiyero frowned. This one had him stumped. What did it mean? Didn't turn out as they'd imagined… What didn't? He stared at the piece of paper as though the answer would suddenly appear in plain writing; but, unsurprisingly, nothing happened.
And then a thought occurred to him. Pulling out the other notes, he quickly read them through, the cogs in his brain turning all the while. The first note told him to go to where they had first met. The second one told him to go to where they had their first kiss. And the third told him to go to where they had become a couple. If Elphaba was consistent – and she usually was – the next place would be the place where the next important event in their relationship took place. And what was the next important event in their relationship? Their first date, that's what.
Fiyero hurried off to the small lake, wondering if it had frozen over again this year.
"Boq?"
"And about time, too." Boq grumbled. He thrust his piece of paper into Fiyero's hands and quickly shoved his own into his pockets. "Man, it's freezing out here."
"Thanks a lot, Boq."
Boq softened slightly. "Sorry. I'm just not used to cold like this. Happy Anniversary."
"Thanks," Fiyero replied sincerely. "You'd better go and get warmed up if you're that cold."
"Thanks," Boq said gratefully, hurrying off.
"This had better be the last one, Elphaba," Fiyero muttered as he tore open the envelope and just about devoured the note.
Which was even shorter than the previous one.
'It all began there.'
"What? But I've already been to the courtyard! I bet she's laughing at me now, going around in circles." Fiyero set off at a run, but when he arrived at the courtyard, there was no-one there. No Elphaba, no note…nothing. Fiyero let out a grunt of frustration and read the note again. "'It all began there…' But it all began here! This is where we first met…" Fiyero trailed off as he realized there was one place he hadn't yet been. One very important place.
He quickly found out that it was impossible to kick yourself for being so stupid whilst running without falling over.
Fiyero's jaw dropped with a soft gasp as he moved towards the clearing. He could see the soft glow of candlelight and, stepping past the trees, he saw a table and two chairs. The table was laid ready for a meal, and he could have sworn he could hear soft music playing in the background.
Moving closer still, he noticed a smallish but bulky-looking parcel on the table. A small card was neatly taped to the top, and Fiyero bent over slightly to read it.
'Happy Anniversary, darling. I love you so much and I don't know what I would do without you. xx'
With a smile, Fiyero carefully unwrapped what he now realized was a gift. When he had shed it of its protective coat, his eyes widened at the exquisite beauty of the object before him. It was a blown-glass ornament depicting a girl giving a boy her heart. Realizing the significance of this gift, tears sprang to Fiyero's eyes.
"One of the hardest things I've ever done was to give you my heart."
Fiyero spun around to see Elphaba standing behind him, all dressed up, blushing, but with a beautiful smile on her face.
"But it was more than worth it."
Lost for words, Fiyero gingerly placed the ornament on the table and strode over to Elphaba, sweeping her into his arms and crushing her to his chest.
They stayed that way for a long time until Elphaba tried to pull away and found she couldn't. "Yero?" And then she realized he was shaking. "Yero?" she asked again, this time worriedly.
Fiyero finally released Elphaba from his embrace; and when she looked up, Elphaba realized Fiyero's face was streaked with tears.
"Yero?" she asked a third time, reaching up and brushing at the salty water.
"I love you so much," Fiyero finally managed to croak out, his voice husky. He swallowed. "The gift is beautiful. And you are even more so." He pressed his lips firmly to Elphaba's, almost taking her breath away.
"I love you, too." Elphaba gently wiped Fiyero's cheeks and kissed him again before leading him back over to the table. "We'd better eat before it gets too cold out here. I just hope the snow doesn't put out the candles."
Fiyero nodded his silent agreement and took Elphaba's hand as they sat down at the table. "Thankyou. It's perfect. And those notes…everything you wrote about your feelings…" Tearing up again, Fiyero finished, "I love you."
Elphaba smiled softly. "I love you, too."
Later, the couple retired to Fiyero's suite, where they curled up with each other on the sofa with glasses of mulled wine.
"Thankyou for a lovely evening," Fiyero murmured, putting his arm around Elphaba and pulling her close. "And for being my girlfriend."
Elphaba snuggled into his side. "Thankyou for being my boyfriend," she returned. "I don't know what I'd do without you anymore," she admitted.
"And I don't know what I would do without you."
They sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, until Elphaba let out a small yawn.
"Tired?"
Elphaba nodded. "I think I could go to sleep right here."
Fiyero chuckled. "Well, don't go to sleep just yet. The evening isn't quite over."
Elphaba looked up at Fiyero curiously. "What do you mean?"
Fiyero stood, and Elphaba let out a grunt of protest as she lost contact with his warmth. "Stay here; I'll be back in a moment."
As she waited, Elphaba's eyes began to drift shut, but they snapped open when she heard a tiny noise, knowing immediately what it was. She turned to find Fiyero standing there holding a tiny, black kitten with big, blue eyes.
"Happy Anniversary, Fae."
Elphaba gasped. "Is that…?"
Fiyero nodded, stroking the kitten with his thumb. "It's your anniversary present. I was in town the other day when I saw that someone was selling kittens…and, well," he coughed delicately, "I can never resist looking at cute little kittens, so I went in, and…well, I saw this little fella here and thought maybe you would like him. Or her – I'm not sure which it is, yet." He sat down and passed the kitten over the Elphaba, who gently lifted it onto her lap and stroked the soft fur.
"It's such a gorgeous little thing," she murmured, looking up at Fiyero. "Thankyou," she said softly, before returning her attention to the kitten as it mewed.
Fiyero put his arm around Elphaba and stroked the kitten with his free hand. It was a wonderful feeling: like he had his own little family.
