Concept art for this story is up! This is my only story so far that needed art because I didn't have to reinvent a look for an existing character or have an OC that didn't already have an actual visual model for me. There will be links to my deviant art account where the art is.

Disclaimer: The only thing from this story that I invented is Dakota, Mimi, Kaitlyn, and Mrs. Fanning.

Enjoy the chap!

…..

Later that evening, the festivities in Oz were in full swing. Citizens held parties all over the country, the crown jewel of them all was in the Emerald Palace. The ballroom was decorated in green and gold, and the celebrations were already happily enjoyed, especially by Queen Ozma, smiling as she danced with one of the lords. Meanwhile, Scarecrow leaned against one of the walls, watching the dancers and waiting for a certain someone. His appearance was not changed for the occasion, save for a couple stiches to keep all the straw from falling out.

Scarecrow didn't have to wait long, for soon after the party had started, Dakota appeared in the doorway. Even though she was excited, she was still somewhat nervous, hanging near the doorway timidly. And how would the evening turn out, anyways? Dakota thought What if I messed up a dance?

Dakota was still unnoticed by the straw man, so she silently walked up to him. "Hi" she said meekly. Her dress was light pink, with a lace top and floor length skirt, and was modest and simple compared to the fancy ball gowns some of the noble women wore, but still very elegant. Her usual braid was gone, her long black hair instead left in beautiful flowing waves. "H-hi" Scarecrow stuttered "You look beautiful."

Dakota blushed and looked down at her feet shyly. "Thank you. Are you enjoying the party?"

"Yes, very much. I'd ask the same, but you just got here."

"From what I've seen, it's wonderful."

"Great." A moment of silence came between them. Say something to her, Scarecrow! He thought. Anything!

"Would you like to dance?"

"Sure. I do believe I promised you a dance." She smiled, and followed the straw man out to the dance floor. Inside of her head, Dakota's thoughts were running wild. Ohmyozohmyozohmyoz this is going to be so awesome! Wait a minute, I don't know how to dance like this!

"I'll have to tell you now, I don't know very much about dancing."

"Don't worry, just follow my lead." Scarecrow said gently. "Though we're going to have to stand a little closer, okay?" They laced their fingers together, and Dakota put her hand on his shoulder. He slowly guided her across the dance floor, and she slowly caught on to the dance, losing all of her nervousness. Still, at one point, she accidentally stepped on his foot. "Oh I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

"I'm okay. All straw, remember?"

"Right, I keep forgetting that."

Throughout the rest of the night, they chatted happily, one dance becoming more. They hadn't noticed it, but during one dance Ozma glanced knowingly at them. When it had gotten late, and the night beginning to wind down, the couple went out on the balcony for air.

"It's so beautiful out here." Dakota exclaimed.

"It is, isn't it?" Scarecrow walked over to the edge of the balcony, stood on the edge, and climbed onto the roof. "What are you doing?" Dakota asked nervously.

"I'm trying to climb onto the roof. You can see over the gates and look at the city skyline from up here. Care to join me?"

"I wouldn't miss it." Dakota started to step up onto the balcony edge. "You might want to take off your shoes, though. I don't think either of us would want you to slip."

"Oh don't worry, I'm not wearing any shoes."

"Wait, what? So the whole time, you were barefoot?" She nodded, lifting up her skirt so he could see her feet. "See? No shoes." He chuckled. "Well you're just full of surprises, aren't you?" Dakota climbed up onto the roof, and Scarecrow scooted over so she could sit. When she looked up, her eyes widened in astonishment. The ornate rooftops glowed grandly, lighting up the whole sky. Each building was different, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. "Oh, I bet the wizard himself didn't have a view like this." Dakota said, amazed. "Thank you. For everything."

"Everything?"

"From the moment we met, you've been nothing but kind to me. Not to mention getting to come here. It's almost like a dream."

"You're welcome. And I haven't been the only kind person here."

"What do you mean?"

"Just what it sounds like."

"Aww, gee thanks." She hugged him, and for a moment, everything was perfect. And then that moment ended. "I'm going to have so much to tell my friends back at home."

"Back home?"

"Well, yeah. I'm going to have to leave tomorrow. I can't be a guest here forever."

Scarecrow slumped over a little. "Right." Dakota expectantly looked over at him. "Of course, if there were something really important here…." But he didn't answer her, he was too deep in thought. I should have known this wouldn't work out. How could I let myself get hurt like this?

This reaction ended up getting misinterpreted by Dakota. Her hopeful face fell. "But who am I kidding?" She said, trying to hold back tears. She climbed back down to the balcony. "Wait, what did you say before?"

"It- It's not important. Goodbye." She took off, making for the door. Dakota was so lost in thought, she almost ran into Ozma. "Oh! I'm, I'm so sorry, your majesty."

"Please, no formalities. It's quite alright. You must be our guest."

"Y-yes I am." Ozma looked at her sadly. "If you really love him, tell him."

"I can't. He-he doesn't feel the same way."

"He is important to you, isn't he?"

"I-I'm sorry, I have to go."

"Okay then." Dakota walked out of the ballroom, then ran all the way back to her room. When she closed the door, she allowed the tears to flow.

Favorite lines? Can you guess ay references, if any?