3. Trouble

He was 25, she was 22

"Why am I here?" Fiyero groaned as he adjusted his sunglasses.

Magnus glared weakly at his son. "Fiyero, you know why."

"I was actually studying, you know," the Vinkun Prince raised a brow at his father with a smirk. A sigh came from the older man as he took a sip from his wine glass.

Magus haven't had much to complain about since his son had started schooling in Shiz. In fact, the school board has actually sent word that Fiyero might even receive his degree with honors and a commendation when he graduated next year. This was coming from a boy who, once he discovered he was attractive to the opposite sex, consumed himself in mastering the art of flirtation.

And yes, when he found Fiyero sitting in the Royal Library, alone with a thick volume in his hands, he was stupefied. He had come to know that his son had actually been studying, but this? Reading? On his own accord? Absolutely unheard of!

"You're ascending to the throne, Fiyero," Magnus exhaled in exasperation, "You're going to have to start attending all these silly parties in my stead very soon."

"I really wouldn't mind attending a party," Fiyero chuckled, "But all these political types? Not my style, pops."

"Whether if it's your style or not," Magus narrowed his eyes at his son, "You don't really have a choice, my boy."

"Of course I don't," he sighed, shoulders slumping just a tad.

The Vinkun Prince removed his sunglasses and placed them in his pocket. His eyes adjusted to the bright, glaring, indoor lighting of the Emerald City History Museum. It felt like he would be visiting the museum every year, seeing that the Wizard seemed to enjoy hosting his political parties here.

Fiyero felt his father's hand on his shoulder as he was urged towards a party of officials wearing Munchkinland colours. He wondered briefly if he'd be seeing Nessarose here tonight. He haven't seen her since the Graduation party and although they weren't particularly close or well acquainted, he wanted to catch up on old times.

"Lord Tiggular, it's been a while!" A short man with a thick, black, beard bowed respectfully towards the Vinkun royalty. When he rose, he turned his attention to Fiyero, "And you must be the Crown Prince, the younger Lord Tiggular."

"Sir," Fiyero bowed slightly. He's grown up amongst men like him. His entire childhood consisted of him sticking close to his father as they made the mandatory rounds with different parties of officials and nobles from all over Oz.

"You've grown up into quite a handsome young man, I must say," the Munchkin guffawed. His fellow compatriots agreed heartily and each made their own bows and respectful greetings. Almost immediately after the initial small talk, the men began to discuss recent trade agreements and new stirrings in the Ozian Grand Palace.

Fiyero tuned out the moment someone began to talk about the Vinkun Tea trade and how their new blue grass herbal teas were becoming the new novelty amongst the nobility in Munchkinland. He began scanning the exhibition room for anyone he might know.

"I hear the young Prince is well acquainted with our Lord Wizard's new apprentice?"

At the mention of Elphaba, Fiyero found himself snapping his attention back to the conversation. His father was looking at him expectantly with a raised brow as the Munchkinlanders watched him with curious breaths.

"Yes, Sire," Fiyero smiled politely, "I am friends with Miss Elphaba."

"Ah, I believe that is to be expected of course," one of the taller Munchkins nodded respectfully towards Fiyero, "I do hear that the Prince is quite attached to the Highmuster Arduenna's daughter. She's Miss Elphaba's room-mate, don't you know?" The Munchkin tapped his compatriot's shoulders lightly.

"Ah, it would be an advantageous marriage for the Upland linage, I would think," one of the taller munchkins stroked his beard wistfully, "They are barely nobles after all. Only on the Arduenna side."

It felt weird to Fiyero that these men were standing here discussing him and his friends as if they were just something they saw in the news. It was as if they weren't real people, with real feelings. It made him sick. Fiyero bowed slightly as he made his escape, "Please excuse me, gentlemen," he flashed a plastic smile, "I have to visit the restroom."

He noticed the strange stare his father was giving him but FIyero couldn't stand being with those men anymore. He made his way across the crowded exhibition floor and found an empty corridor. The red velvet rope warned the guests that it was restricted, but Fiyero being FIyero decided that his need to escape far outweighed the possible chance of getting caught trespassing.

He slipped in unnoticed and found himself wandering into the planetarium. From what it seemed, it was completely secluded and nobody seemed to be coming in. He stepped into the centre of the large space and made himself comfortable in the cushioned seat.

It was barely a second after he closed his eyes when his sensitive ears picked up the sound of the door coming ajar.

"Who is that?"

Fiyero jerked up and his gaze snapped to the intruder. His panic quickly morphed into exhilaration when he realized that it was Elphaba. A curious expression was on her face. Her lips were deep red and her cheeks had some evidence of professional application of make-up.

"Fae." He whispered under his breath.

She squinted as finally seemed to realize who he was. "Yero?" She glanced about and stepped in, closing the door behind her quietly. "What are you doing here? The corridor's restricted, wasn't it?"

"I needed to get away from the lords and nobles," he stuck his tongue out.

Elphaba laughed. And it was only then that he realized how much he missed the sound of her voice. They've only been apart for a couple of weeks since summer break started, but it felt too long.

"Was it that bad out there?" She said as she made her way towards him. He looked over her, a tiny bit awe struck at how beautiful she looked. Her slender frame, which was usually hidden away by her ill-fitting frocks, was suddenly brought to light by the elegant black gown that seemed to have been made specifically for her… Although she didn't look particularly comfortable in them.

It seems like being the Wizard's apprentice came with some expectations.

"It's… bad," he said finally. "And what are you doing back here? Not planning to appear at your own party?"

"It's not my party," she replied weakly. "I'm just here for the Wizard."

"Not that he's coming?"

She snorted, "Not that he's coming."

Fiyero adjusted himself on his seat such that he was facing Elphaba completely. She had somehow managed to curl herself up in the gigantic seats, leaving her pinchy looking heels on the ground as she pulled her knees to her chest.

"So," he felt the corner of his lips curling into a smile, "you haven't told me why I caught you sneaking into the planetarium instead of being out there with the smelly nobles."

Elphaba rolled her eyes, but her smile told him that she wasn't really mad at him, "You didn't catch me doing anything. You're not even supposed to be back here."

"Fae…"

"Alright, fine," she sighed, "I was curious. Remember that first time we came here? To the Museum?"

He nodded.

"Well, while we were escaping from the same set of smelly nobles…" She paused to glare at Fiyero as he giggled. Finally, when he stopped under her narrowed eyes, "… I saw the notices for the Planetarium lining the hallways. It wasn't finished yet two years ago, but I've been dying to see it."

"Hm," Fiyero murmured, "You're here now. Not much to see, it looks like."

"Do you even know what a planetarium is?" She sighed exasperatedly.

"What?" His voice came out squeaky and a blush flushed over his cheeks, he cleared his throat, "O-Of course I do."

"You only see the planets and stars when you turn on the contraption there," Elphaba said with a hint of amusement in her voice, her finger pointed towards the blocky looking machine sitting right in the middle of a platform, hidden away on the other end of the room.

"Stars and planets? Why do I need to come here to see them?" Fiyero furrowed his brows in confusion, "I could just sit outside right now and see the stars and planets without having to pay for the 15 dollar ticket."

"You won't be able to see the planets…"

"Why is there a Planetarium in the History Museum anyway?"

"It's the only museum in existence in this region..."

Fiyero was about to say something else but he noticed the way Elphaba was shrinking away and realized that he'd hurt her feelings. She was really excited to see the Planetarium, it seems. It was quiet between them for a while. Fiyero shifted uncomfortably as his brain struggled to find the words to fix his blunder. Elphaba simply stared down at her fingers.

"… Do you want to go up to the roof?" He asked softly. Elphaba's eyes flickered over to look at him in confusion. He cleared his throat, "I mean. Like you said, we won't be able to see the planets and all, but we can see the stars…" His voice trembled slightly as his heart pounded, "Just like last time."

"… Like last time?"

"Yeah." He smiled gently down at her.

Before she could reply, the door all but burst open. A head peaked in and an angry publicist stomped in. "Miss Elphaba!" She cried out, her eyes were glistening as if she was about to actually cry, "We've been searching everywhere!"

Elphaba jumped up and tripped slightly on her shoes. "M-Miss Tibbie! I was just—"

"Oh just what do you think you're doing in here with… with..." Her eyes went as big as saucers, "a boy!" She wailed, "Just think of the scandal if one of the servants found you instead of me!"

Fiyero stood from his seat now, straightening his royal suit as he did. He stepped up behind Elphaba, towering over her slightly, "I'm sorry for the disterberance, Miss…?"

"Tibbie." Both Elphaba and Tibbie replied simultaneously.

"Miss Tibbie. Of course," He coughed awkwardly as he bowed slightly, "But Miss Elphaba was in good hands. I am Pri—"

"Oh dearie me!" Miss Tibbie suddenly exclaimed as she put her gloved hands over her lips, "You're wearing the Vinkun Royal crest! Y-You're the Prince aren't you!" She began wailing again, "You're Prince Fiyero Tiggular!"

Fiyero blushed slightly as he smiled charmingly, "Yes, I am Fiyero Tigg—"

"OH THE SCANDAL."

"W-What?" Fiyero blinked in confusion as Elphaba stifled her cackles.

"Miss Elphaba we must go at once!" Miss Tibbie exclaimed as she scurried over to a crying-laughing Elphaba. "I am a very good publicist and image consultant but I am not a miracle worker!"

Elphaba barely managed a wave of her hands before she was hastily escorted out of the room. Fiyero simply stood there, completely bewildered.


The party outside had begun in full swing. Men and women mingled as they stood about the new installations in the exhibition room. Many new murals of the Wizard's heroics had been unveiled, just for tonight.

A sculptor in great demand was talking animatedly with the Vinkun Royals, from what Elphaba could tell from her position in the corner of the room. The bald, red skinned Quadling was chattering excitedly. The Vinkun king seemed confused as he nodded politely at the artisan. Next to him stood Fiyero, whose eyes seemed to have a thin haze in front of them as he stared blankly at the now jumping Quadling.

She could almost laugh at how bored FIyero looked. Quite suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulders. Elphaba spun around, slightly startled and embarrassed at being caught staring at the Vinkun Royals. She had almost heaved a sigh of relief when she realised that it was just another noble trying to get into her good graces.

"You look absolutely lovely, Miss Apprentice," the tall Gillikinese Lord bowed as he took her hand politely. He planted a kiss on her knuckle and stood straight again, flashing her a handsome smile. "We met previously? With Highmuster Oreno?"

"Y-Yes! Of course."

Elphaba blushed lightly at the soft gaze he was giving her. It was almost overwhelming. The Gillikinese Lord took two champagne flutes from a wandering waiter and presented one to her. "Is the lady of age? I'm not too sure about the legal drinking ages in Munchkinland."

There was a playful glint in his bright, blue eyes as he said that.

"Yes, I am. I've turned 22 a while ago." She replied politely.

"I wouldn't have thought. Simply dashing," He complimented easily. He made a show of glancing around the room, "It's really quite a shame that the evening is coming to a close. There's so much to see and so much I'd love to talk to you about."

"I'm sorry?"

The lord grinned, his eyes smiling with him as he did, "I would really like to get to know you, Miss Apprentice. Not many ladies I know are as… Dedicated as you. Especially to such a noble cause… Animal Rights isn't something that even the bravest politicians would dare touch with a ten foot pole."

A deep purple blush raged across her cheeks. The man standing before her was a Gillikin noble from Runcible County. Their family was the largest exporter of mountain herbs in all of Oz… Of course, they made most of their money from herb trade with the Quadlings. But she just couldn't quite remember his name…

It wasn't that he wasn't attractive. Oh Great Oz, the young lord was a handsome man. His shining blue eyes were so light in colour, it was impossible not to stare sometimes. His wavy blond hair, a predominant trait in the Gillikinese, was kept short and slicked back, as per the norm for men in formal fashion. Not that Elphaba was suddenly interested in things like that. It was simply what Miss Tibbie had been drilling into her head all afternoon.

"Fae!"

The voice was familiar. Before she could turn around, Elphaba felt a hand on her lower back. She glanced up at the man who appeared quite suddenly next to her.

"Yero?" She blinked in confusion.

Fiyero had a smile plastered on his face. She knew very well that it was a fake smile, one that he reserved for politicians and people he didn't particularly like.

"Fae?" The young Gillikinese lord raised a brow to that.

Elphaba parted her lips to reply, but Fiyero beat her to it. "It's a nickname."

"Reserved for me." He added hastily.

Fiyero forced out a laugh, and Elphaba vaguely noticed that his hand was still on the small of her back, "We're close. We study together in Shiz." He bowed slightly, "Fiyero Tiggular, of the Vinkus."

The Gillikinese lord looked perplexed, but nonetheless, he bowed, "Lord Wickam, of clan Brewster." When he straightened, Wickam questioned, "You are Fiyero Tiggular, the Prince?"

Fiyero nodded politely.

"Pleasure to finally meet you, Sire," Wickam bowed again. "Our family has been trading with the Vinkus for many generations."

"We're rivals," Fiyero commented with a smile. Elphaba pinched the side of his abdomen discretely as she chuckled awkwardly. Fiyero squirmed, but kept his smile on, "In trade."

Wickam laughed good naturedly, "I suppose so… But the Herb trade has plenty of opportunities for innovation from both sides, I believe."

"Friendly competition is completely healthy and necessary in our economy, of course," Elphaba chimed in, her subconscious still fretting over the fact that Fiyero's hand was still on her. "The herb trade is still fairly predominant to the Vinkus and upper Gillikin, but I think it would probably change in the next few years, seeing that the Quadlings have been trying to grow their own."

"Yes, I've heard from Chief Hurdah." Wickam nodded disappointedly, "It spells trouble for my family business, seeing that most of our income come from the Quadlings."

Before Elphaba could reply, Fiyero pulled her closer to him, smiling politely, "Oh dear, look at the time," he fumbled in his pocket for a non-existent pocket watch, "Say, I haven't had the time to catch up with you, Fae, and the party is closing soon." He turned towards Wickam, "I'm so terribly sorry, sir, but I'll really appreciate some time with my dear friend. It's really been great getting to know you tonight."

"O-Oh," Wickam looked startled. But he bowed respectfully all the same, "I'll take my leave then. It's been wonderful meeting you, Miss—"

"Yup, goodbye, bye bye now!" Fiyero grinned as he pulled a bewildered Elphaba away from the young Gillikinese lord.

Elphaba wasn't quite sure what was happening. Fiyero had his hand gripped tightly in hers as he pulled her along the empty hallway, leaving the party way behind them. They went through a series of doors and a climbed a flight of stairs, and finally when he reached the top, he stopped.

She wasn't sure what he was trying to do. His suit, white with a maroon accent, was worn ragged by his running and yanking. Tiny beads of sweat was forming on his hairline. Thick, brown locks of hair were beginning to come loose from his previously neat, slicked back style.

"Fiyero, what the hell are you doing," she snapped.

Whatever he did just now. The fake smiles. The comments towards Lord Wickam's family business. It was just so rude, even for him. And Fiyero was usually nothing but a pain in the ass gentleman.

He pushed open the door and stepped outside to the roof. Elphaba followed angrily behind. The cool evening air hit her skin and she shivered. Fiyero turned and noticed. He shrugged off his jacket and placed them over her shoulders.

"I'm asking you," she narrowed her eyes at him as she pulled his jacket off her body, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"You looked cold!" He replied shortly.

"Not this," she wrung his jacket, "I meant downstairs. With Lord Wickam."

"Well." He stiffened, staring at her with those beautiful green eyes of his. "He looked like he was hitting on you, so I came in to save you."

"W-What?" She felt warmth embracing her cheeks. Oh no, she can't think he's cute now. He was being an asshole. She's supposed to be mad. Also, he's Galinda's boyfriend. She can't forget that right now.

"He looks like an ass, you don't need that in your life."

"I don't care what he looks like!" Elphaba jabbed a finger angrily into Fiyero's chest. "He was just… Being nice. Because I'm the Wizard's Apprentice. That's all." She shrunk back, recalling how Wickam hadn't greeted her by her name, but by her position as the Wizard's Apprentice.

Fiyero was strangely quiet when she said that, and it made her insides squirm. She needed anything but pity. "… I don't need you to tell me who I need or do not need in my life. I can sort those characters out on my own, thank you."

His eyes flickered up to hers. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the spot where they'd always sit when they were up here. Fiyero plunked down unceremoniously and patted the ground next to him. Confused, but still angry, Elphaba sat down, but slightly away from Fiyero. Her hand still tingled from the warmth of his touch.

He sighed heavily, "I'm sorry." Fiyero sat cross-legged, the tightness of his trousers accentuated the muscles of his thighs, as strange as it sounded. Elphaba flushed and reeled her thoughts back. Unawares of the war inside her head, Fiyero continued, "I know you don't need me nosing around. And I know I was being an ass in front of lord whats-his-face…"

Elphaba raised a disapproving brow at him and he flushed, but grinned nonetheless, "Hey, I'm only apologizing for being an ass to you, not for lord whats-his-face."

"You—"

"Shh! Hear me out," he planted his finger on her lips, and now the two couldn't help but laugh. Fiyero snorted, "Keep it down! I'm trying to apologize!"

Elphaba fought to keep her stupid grin off her face, but failed miserably.

"Alright look. I'm sorry. But I care for you. Deeply and truly," he said seriously as his hand dropped to hold hers. Elphaba could feel her entire face burning up. Her head was beginning to spin. Fiyero seemed to choke on his breath as he coughed, "A-As a friend, o-of course!"

"R-Right! Of course… What else could it be, ha!" Elphaba laughed awkwardly, pulling her hand away from Fiyero. The warmth from his skin was slowly ebbing away. For some reason, her chest was starting to fill with an indescribable sadness.

"A-Anyway… You can do better than that guy," Fiyero's lips twitched into a half-smile. "You're beautiful and smart…"

"Don't lie to me," Elphaba snorted.

Fiyero placed a hand to his heart, "Miss Apprentice, you wound me."

She pushed him hard on his shoulders and he laughed, green eyes twinkling brighter than the stars above them. He rubbed his nose as he tried to balance him upright again, "It's true, you know. You are beautiful. And I'm not lying." He was looking at her straight in the eyes now, "It's just looking at things another way."

Elphaba wasn't quite sure what was happening.

Her heart raced. Her face was flushing. The colour and intensity of his eyes and the way a lock of his hair would always fall just right above his brows, the image of him was burned into her mind. The way his nose crinkles when he laughed. The way they bantered effortlessly. The way their eyes would lock when somebody says something ridiculous. The way they just seemed to understand each other, without having to use words.

Oh dear god, she's in trouble.

"Hmm, looks like it's about time. I have to go look for my father." Fiyero muttered as he stood up reluctantly, "C'mon get up! I'll have to send our Grand Vizier back to her loving subjects." He grinned wickedly as he offered her his hand.

Oh god, oh god, oh god.

"I'm not the Grand Vizier," she grumbled as she took his hand. He yanked her up unceremoniously with a laugh and she pushed at him, huffing.

Fiyero smiled down at her, taking great joy at the fact that even in heels, she was still a head shorter than him. "In case I don't get the opportunity to say this later… Goodnight, Miss Elphaba. I'll see you soon."

Before she could quip at him, Fiyero pressed his lips on her forehead. Her chest… It was filled with an intense warmness.

... Oh unnamed god, she's in trouble.


He was 28, she was 25

As the carriage trudged along the Vinkun River, Fiyero cast his gaze out the across the other side of the banks. The mountain people of the Great Kells were going about their lives, happy enough to keep their smiles, but living the working man's lives as they worked the land. They didn't notice their Prince in the carriage as the vehicle made its way towards Kiamo Ko.

He wasn't ready to face his parents. He'd already sent word that the engagement was over a few days ago. He would've stayed the week at the Emerald City, but the thought of staying anywhere near the two women was breaking his heart.

He received a note from Elphaba the day after Galinda left him. Or he left her. He still wasn't quite sure what happened. In any case, he received the note. It was scribbled on a torn-off page from a notebook. The folded note was slipped into his guest house in the city through the window, and this most definitely meant that Elphaba had sent her monkey servant, Chistery.

"She's staying with me. Don't come. The Wizard has offered her the Publicity Secretary Job again and she says that she'll think about it and give him an answer in a couple of days. She's trying her best to pull together. I think it'll be good if you left the city for a while. Give her time. – Elphaba"

He's read the same note again and again. He folded and unfolded it so many times, it was beginning to fall apart. He slipped the note back into his pocket and closed his eyes. The clouds were heavy today and seemed like it would be raining after all.

It would be a couple of hours before his driver woke him up.

The servants quickly stepped out of the castle when he was announced. The guards stood in attention as the men and women scurried to bring his bags to his room. The head servant bowed slightly as he stepped up beside the Prince, "My lord, the clothes you have requested from the main castle has been sent over just yesterday. The men will be prepared to leave for your tour in a week."

"I see, thank you," He smiled gently at the old Antelope. The Animal smiled back at him as he bowed and stepped away, returning to his duties.

Fiyero found his way to his room and sat on the edge of his bed. He frowned slightly. The bed was too big. The thought of sleeping alone in this huge monstrosity frightened him. He began packing, pushing away the thought of how Galinda used to be the one to help pick out his clothes. She's always had a knack for things like that.

A few hours flew by before he finally stuffed in his last pair of pants. It was the same pair of riding pants that he wore often in Shiz. He stepped over to one of the bags that was brought over from the main castle. It was filled with books and other miscellaneous knick knacks.

He'll need reading material, he figured. The tour around the Vinkun Counties was going to be a long, and quite possibly boring journey. It was more of a formality, really. The people wanted to see their Crown Prince, after they've heard so much about his close friendship with their Grand Vizier. They wanted to know all about the Emerald City.

A worn out old book caught his attention. He reached in and pulled it out, careful not to rip the cover.

"Oz after the Great Draught," he muttered out the title of the book as his fingers traced the spine. He thumbed open the cover and smiled at the front page. It had been a birthday gift from Elphaba from their days in Shiz. It was meant to be a joke, but the book had meant a lot to him. It was the first time she's ever given him a gift. It was something he could keep.

He wondered when they would meet again. When he'd be able to see her again. The emerald of her skin. The bright, hazel eyes. The quirky smirk and snarky wit. He missed her.

His thumb ran across her note on the front page. 'I heard it was your birthday. Saw this and thought of you. – Elphaba'.

It made him smile, but right about now, it also made his chest ache. Outside, the first snow of the winter fell. It would be her birthday soon. Fiyero tucked the book into his luggage to be brought with him for the tour and left for his study.

He pulled open his drawer and fished for some paper and a pen.

She told him not to visit or send any gifts… But she didn't say anything about a letter. Fiyero grinned to himself for his clever ingenuity and shuddered at the thought of Elphaba actually frying him with just her brain. He paused for a while and swallowed. Yes, he would brave that storm. He'd be the one to survive.

And so he began to write.


A/N Finally up! I'm having trouble with writing style and going through some crisis, but I've got most of the story done... Most. (Moon face emoji)