NOTE - Firstly, thanks again to all my lovely readers and reviewers - you make me a very happy poster :-) I hope you all enjoy this; feel free to let me know.

Disclaimer: Same old, not mine, sigh.

Chapter Three

As they sat in the cafe, Elphaba could hardly believe how interested Fiyero seemed in their conversation. He listened intently as she told him about the Animals, his gaze never wandering from her, as she spoke. And what surprised her further were the questions, and suggestions he threw in; it was as though he'd actually been thinking about it.

In truth, he had been thinking; he'd been thinking of the Animals; and of magic; and of anything else he could even remotely relate to her. His mind was charged with all things Elphie and, he had to admit that he liked it.

"So, they really believe taking away their rights is a good thing?" he asked, as Elphaba showed him an article in the Animal rights magazine she'd found

"It's what they want us to believe" she replied, "That way they can cage Animals, without anyone putting up a fight"

There was a flicker of sadness in Elphie's eyes and Fiyero had to fight back the urge to leap across the table and hug her. He'd never met anyone who cared about others the way that she did before and he admired her for it, in a way he couldn't quite explain.

"That's bad" his brow furrowed in thought then, after a moment his eyes lit up, like a light emerging from the darkness; Elphaba would learn this often happened when he was struck with an idea. "Hey, maybe we could have a sneak around campus; see if they're keeping any more Animals caged up here. If they are, we could release them"

"That's a good Idea" she seemed pleased by his suggestion and he felt his stomach flip, at the possibility she might actually be proud of him, "We should probably wait until things are a little quieter though; I'm staying here over the holidays, so I could take a look around then"

"I can help too" he offered eagerly

"Aren't you going home?"

Fiyero shook his head but it was clear, from her expression that Elphie found this notion surprising, so he continued, in way of an explanation, "It's a long way back to the Vinkus and, to be honest, I prefer it here. The company's far better"

He could've sworn she held back a smile, but he didn't allow his mind to dwell on it.

"OK then" she agreed, "We'll have a look round together"

This time he smiled; both at the prospect of spending the holidays with Elphaba, and at the thought that she actually wanted him to do so. For a moment, he dared hope that his feelings were reciprocated, and he felt his heart begin to flutter wildly in his chest.

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From the doorway, Galinda cast a suspicious eye over Elphie and Fiyero. They were huddled over what looked to be a magazine, clearly in deep conversation, and she just knew they were planning something; But what?

She wondered if it had something to do with her; after all, what else would they have to talk about?

Maybe they were planning to surprise her for being so good to them both.

She gave a squeal of delight at the thought and strode confidently to their table, secretly hoping to snatch a glimpse of whatever catalogue they were choosing her gift from.

"And how are my two, most favourite people in the whole of Oz?"

Both, Elphaba and Fiyero looked up in surprise; for once they hadn't heard Galinda coming.

"Um... good" Fiyero spluttered, "We're good. I'm good, I mean"

"Yeah" Elphaba quickly scooped the magazine from the table and placed it on the seat beside her, "Me too"

Galinda smiled; it was obvious from the guilty look they shared that she'd been right.

"So what have you both been up to?" she asked, looking from one to the other, with a glint of excitement.

Elphaba swallowed hard; for once, unsure of what to say. She wondered why she felt so guilty, and why Fiyero looked so guilty. After all, mission or no mission, they were just two friends having a drink. Weren't they?

"We had class together" Fiyero chimed in, "there were a few things I didn't understand so I asked Elphie if she'd go over it with me"

Galinda nodded, she didn't believe him for a second but she didn't push for any further information; she didn't want to spoil her surprise.

"Well that was good of her, wasn't it dearest?"

She took hold of Fiyero's hand and Elphaba felt her stomach lurch with a jealousy she hadn't, previously known she possessed.

"You must make sure you thank her properly"

Fiyero flashed a cheeky grin in Elphaba's direction, "Oh, I will"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt a surge of guilt shoot through him. Elphie's cheeks flushed a bright shade of red, and he silently cussed his own stupidity.

Of all the things he could do, to show Elphie how he felt, he knew flirting with her in front of his girlfriend was not one of the better choices.

"I should go" Elphaba stood up hurriedly, her eyes refusing to meet with Fiyero's apologetic glance, "I have to go to...to the library, for...um, for a book, I need"

"Will you be in later?" Galinda asked, but Elphie was already at the door. "Huh. I'll take that as a yes then"

She turned her attention back to Fiyero, who was gazing at the exit, as though he wanted to follow her through it. She gently squeezed his hand. When he didn't stir she squeezed it more firmly, digging one of her pink nails into his skin.

"Ouch" he turned to glare at his girlfriend, "What was that for?"

"I wanted to speak to you, but you weren't paying me any attention" she replied, her wounded expression, somehow making her actions seem totally just, "What's wrong anyway? You look all frustratified"

"Do I? Nothing's wrong, it's just..." he glanced towards Elphie's now empty seat and noticed she'd left the Animal rights publication, "Elphaba left her magazine" he announced, "I should go and give it to her. The magazine, I mean"

He swallowed hard, and hoped that Galinda would overlook his odd behaviour; however, it was clear from her expression that this hope was in vain.

"I can give it to her later" she replied coldly, no longer concerned about ruining her surprise, "We are roommates after all"

"But she might need it now"

"Then she'll come back for it"

She was right, but he wasn't about to admit it; he wanted to see Elphaba, if only to check she was still speaking to him after his earlier comment, "I'd rather be sure"

With that, he grabbed the magazine and quickly planted a kiss on Galinda's lips, in the vain hope it would stop any further protest.

"I'll see you later on, yeah?" he asked, as he pulled back, but he didn't wait for her to reply.