Elphaba was on a mission. Galinda was back in the dorm crying her eyes out due to the callous attitude of a certain Winkie prince. This was why the green girl was off to find Fiyero and demand why he stood the blonde up. She warily knocked on his door in Ozma Towers, afraid that he would appear shirtless, but there was no response. Next Elphaba stalked across a lawn that college boys regularly used for impromptu games of handball. "Fabala!" Leyen fell into stride beside her friend. "Where are you off to?"

"I'm off to behead Shiz's resident prince," she replied, her venomous words shooting into the peaceful evening air.

"What did he do to deserve such treatment?"

"Did you just use sarcasm?" the green girl teased incredulously, her voice still pulled taut with agitation.

"I learned from the best," Leyen chirped. Her easy camaraderie was lost on the irked witch.

"Have you seen Fiyero?"

"No." She was frightened for the ignorant Winkie wherever he was. Someone jogged by in an unmistakable pinstripe suit.

"Boq!" Elphaba called, waving to the hurried munchkin.

"I can't talk now," he told her apologetically.

"It will only take a minute," the green girl insisted, beckoning him over. "This concerns Galinda." Boq was immediately at her side.

"What can I do for Miss Galinda?"

"You can tell me where Fiyero is," Elphaba replied. The munchkin's eager expression wilted pitifully.

"He was playing handball with some other guys earlier."

"Did he say anything about a date?"

"No." Boq looked confused. "Miss Elphaba what's going on?"

"Master Tiggular stood my roommate up." The munchkin's eyes flared with foolish hope. "No, Galinda doesn't plan to break up with her boyfriend," Elphaba answered, before Boq could even speak his question.

"Maybe you should check the bars in town," he sighed, defeat emanating from his tired posture. "It's OzDay, all the party boys are off getting drunk."

"Let's check the Boar and Fennel," Elphaba muttered to Leyen, her calm voice simmering with cold fire.

/

A party was roaring full swing in the scruffy bar. Strong liquor and cheap beer flowed freely through the veins of most patrons. Bartenders seemed more preoccupied with the drunk women than the coins tossed on the counter. Leyen looked terrified and Elphaba wore a mask of profound revulsion. The very air rank of putrid body fluids.

"I may puke," she groaned, wrinkling her nose.

"This is what Gillikinese men do for fun?" Leyen questioned.

"Munchkinlanders too," the green girl spat. "It's a great comment on our society isn't it?" She shuddered.

"Elphaba?" A vaguely slurred voice reached her over the din of rowdy voices.

"Fiyero!" Her eyes darkened. "Why are you here?"

"It's OzDay," he shrugged lamely, casting a significant look at Leyen. Taking the hint she wandered out of earshot, trying not to brush against the filthy bodies around her.

"You were supposed to pick Galinda up an hour ago Master Tiggular," Elphaba snarled.

"I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely, taking the green girl's hand. "I just needed some time to think about what happened…with the Lion Cub and all." Elphaba jerked her arm away with more effort than should have been necessary.

"So clearly a bar and alcohol aided your ponderings," she snapped. "I can smell the liquor on your breath."

"It was just a little beer," he muttered guiltily.

"Well I'm touched to hear that you care so much about the plight of Animals," Elphaba hissed. "But your girlfriend is at home crying her eyes out and as her friend it's my responsibility to yell at you."

"Come on Fae," Fiyero murmured, steering her towards the bar.

"Don't call me that," she growled, wary that someone might have heard the nickname. With a groan the green girl slumped onto a stool. "A water please," she told the heavyset bartender. He sauntered away with a grunt. "Fiyero I think you should go to Crage Hall and apologize to Galinda," Elphaba told the Winkie earnestly. "You two were made for each other." The bartender slammed a glass of transparent liquid down on the stained counter.

"Elphaba you know I'm terribly fond of Galinda but…" Fiyero trailed off uncertainly and the green girl took a long swig of her drink.

"Ugh!" she coughed violently. "This isn't water!"

"I know," the bartended grumbled. "It's vodka."

"What kind of person gives someone vodka when they ask for water?"

"What kind of person orders water in a bar on OzDay?" Elphaba's only reply was a fierce glare.

"How much did you drink?" Fiyero wondered, glancing with surprise at the half empty glass.

"Too much," the green witch groaned. "It was strong stuff too."

"Listen Fae, I was here trying to work up the courage to talk to you." Elphaba's heart leapt into her throat, but she quickly reminded herself that the Winkie's already silly head was thick with spirits.

"Stop," she insisted. "You're prince of the Vinkus and you've got a world of potential spread out before you. However it'll all be gone if you let foolish partying…or silly whims…get in your way. Go back to Galinda, tell her you're sorry, and leave me alone." Her tone, which had been growing in fervor, rose to a shout on the last three words. As the green girl's head caught up with her actions she stormed out in a whirlwind of black fabric.

The cool air filled Elphaba's groggy mind as she sagged against the tavern wall. Already the strong liquor was clogging her bumbled thoughts. "Elphaba," Fiyero gasped, joining her there.

"Please leave me alone."

"No, I need to speak with you." He drew closer now and clasped her hands in his. She looked away. "What happened with the Lion Cub…"

"Was nothing," the green girl whispered forcefully, her burning eyes flashing up to meet his. She was suddenly aware that Fiyero's face was only inches from hers. "Promise you won't hurt Galinda."

"I promise." He was moving in.

"You're tipsy," Elphaba reminded him.

"So are you," the Winkie replied, gently pressing his lips against hers. The kiss only lasted a moment and then Fiyero was gone, back into the bar. Leyen found Elphaba outside with her eyes closed and a look of fragile disbelief on her face.

"Fabala?" The green girl took a shuddering breath and a goofy smile spread across her lips. "Come on," Leyen grumbled, grabbing a green hand and pulling Elphaba away. "I'm taking you back to Crage Hall; you're drunk."

"The bartender gave me vodka instead of water," the witch mumbled, allowing herself to be dragged along.

/

Galinda, whose crying had finally stopped, was startled by a knock at the door. Elphaba tottered in and sagged against the wall with a deep sigh. Then, to the blonde's profound disbelief, she giggled. Not a creepy cackle, not a sarcastic snort, but a giddy, girlish giggle. Elphaba floated to her bed and flopped down. Within seconds the green girl was asleep. She didn't remember much of that night, and what her memory did retain was nothing more than a blurred dream. Fiyero's recollections were likewise wispy, but his sluggish brain did hold onto the promise he'd made to Elphaba. The promise not to hurt Galinda.

I'm a sucker for Fiyerba…hopefully it didn't turn any of you off (but this could've been something that happened at Shiz and was 'forgotten')

I also wanted to sorta/kinda explain why Fiyero might have been hesitant to break up with Galinda after Elphaba left (and why the whole engagement thing got so out of hand)…