Note: As promised… a longer chapter. I had fun writing this chapter. Hope you enjoy!! And respectful reviews are always welcome!
That morning, Fiyero was up early walking the halls. Truth be told, Fiyero liked those quiet times. Sure he liked all the attention from the other students, but sometimes it was just nice to have peace and quiet. Plus, he couldn't let it get out that he actually liked to think.
As he walked by the open door of the library a flash of green caught his attention. He stopped and backed up, spotting Elphaba sitting at one of the tables highly engrossed in whatever she was reading. Is that girl always reading?
He decided that she needed a distraction and took it upon himself to do just that. Walking into the library, he picked up some random book from one of the shelves. He looked at the cover and thumbed through the pages as he walked towards the green girl.
Once he was standing across the table from Elphaba, he cleared his throat to announce his presence. "Hello." Elphaba, so involved in her research, did not even realize he was standing there. She just continued moving her concentration from her book to her notes she had spread out and back again.
Taking his book, Fiyero let it drop flat on the table. It made a loud smack, which startled Elphaba. She jumped and looked up in alarm.
"There she is my fellow Ozians. Elphaba, isn't it?" He took this opportunity to plop down in one of the chairs. "You know, I thought for a minute you were going to be devoured by that book."
Elphaba smirked sarcastically. "Very funny. Do you make it a habit of scaring people before greeting them? Or am I just one of the privileged you chose to annoy?
"Well if they answer my greeting the first time, then no," Fiyero answered with a cheeky grin. "As for the annoying you part?" At that moment Fiyero kicked his feet up on the table and leaned back in his chair. "That part just seems to come naturally."
Elphaba just rolled her eyes. "Lucky me." Taking her hand she pushed Fiyero's feet off the table. "Do you mind? Could you at least try to act as though you know what manners are?" She then went back to writing some notes while inquiring the reason for his being there. "What are you doing here anyway? I didn't figure you the type to like books or even know where the library is for that matter."
"Hmm. I should take offense to that but since I do have manners and charm, I'll let that slide." Elphaba raised her eyes from her paper and gave him an exasperated look as he gave her a wink back. "Like I said, I thought you were going to be eaten by that book, so thought I would come to your rescue… Green Bean."
Elphaba slammed her book in annoyance. "Seriously?" Giving him a look due to the name-calling. "What is it with you people and vegetable names? Green Bean? Artichoke?!"
He leaned toward her. "Shh. This is a library." Getting another strong look from the green girl and not wanting to get slapped, or worse, he leaned back and raised his hands to show no harm. "Just teasing. Take it easy. I didn't mean it maliciously. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
Elphaba raised her eyebrows and stated sarcastically. "Wow big word. I'm impressed."
"Hey!"
"Sorry. That was too easy and… perhaps I over reacted just a bit on the other. It's not like it's the first time someone has called me things. Nor, I'm sure, will it be the last."
Fiyero said playfully, "That's okay Green Bean. I forgive you."
"Ugh! No wonder you and Galinda seem so perfect for each other. I don't know who is worse!" She opened her book back up and tried to find where she left off.
"Speaking of Galinda, where is the little bubbly one?"
Elphaba sighed. "Knowing her, she's probably still sleeping the day away in my bed…" She then mumbled, "after slapping me out of it."
Fiyero arched his brow. "Your bed? Why Miss Elphaba I didn't realize you two were…."
"Oh for Oz sake! Not like that." Looking up at him. "It's just… she was frightened during the storm. It was either that or not get any sleep myself. She was creeping me out. Standing there staring at me."
"And here I thought it was your charm winning her over." Leaning in he whispered low, "but hey, you don't need to convince me. I can keep it between us."
"That settles it." Closing her book once again, she gathered her belongings, realizing she wasn't going to get any work accomplished. "You are definitely worse." Elphaba stood up and placed her satchel over her shoulder.
"Leaving so soon?" Fiyero asked.
"Well since I cannot seem to get any more work done here might as well." Giving him a glare. "Plus I need to get back to my room to get some things before class."
"Right…to get some things… or perhaps go see your gir…" Before he could finish, Elphaba hit him in the arm with one of her books. "Don't give me that look Fiyero. You know you deserved that."
He got up as well and rubbed his arm where she had hit him. "Tell the princess that I was looking for her, would you?" Fiyero gave her a wink before turning to go. As he walked away he added. "It's been fun Green Bean. See you in class."
Elphaba just rolled her eyes and shook her head as she headed out of the library herself. If this is what it's like to have friends… help. She smiled slightly to herself, thinking of both of her unlikely friends, Galinda and Fiyero, as she made her way back to her room. What have I gotten myself into?