Author's Note: Apologies for the lateness of this update. I had a bit of a mucked-up day yesterday, so I didn't manage to get on to the computer. But better late than never, right? So here is yesterday's chapter, and hopefully today's will be up soon.

Also, thankyou so much for the lovely reviews as usual - we've hit the fifty mark! Whoo! *hands out virtual cookies*

December 10

Fiyero slipped his arms around Elphaba's waist and pulled her in for a kiss. "Did you enjoy dinner last night?"

Elphaba nodded. "Thankyou – it was lovely."

Fiyero smiled. "Good. Are you ready to see what today's box has in store for you?"

"One more kiss?"

Fiyero gladly complied before gently pushing Elphaba over to the shelves.

As Elphaba took down that day's box, she commented, "I think I'm getting rather used to boxes that feel like there's nothing in them."

Fiyero laughed. "It might be light, but it's the most important one so far."

Elphaba looked at him, her head cocked to the side in a sign of curiosity. "Oh? What makes it so important?"

"You'll see when you open the box."

With a confused smile, Elphaba took off the lid to the box and pulled out a small piece of thick card. There was some Lurlinemassy twine around one end, which was threaded through a large, glittering snowflake secured at the top corner. The card read, 'I.O.U.: One trip for two to the Vinkus.' With a gasp, Elphaba looked up at Fiyero, her eyes wide. "Are you serious?"

Fiyero smiled and nodded. "Completely. I want to show you my country. Whenever you're ready, we're going to the Vinkus."

Elphaba carefully set aside the box and I.O.U., and then stood up and flung her arms around Fiyero's neck. "Thankyou, Fiyero!" she cried happily. "This is amazing. Are you sure you're serious?" She stepped back and examined Fiyero's face closely.

Fiyero set his hands on Elphaba's shoulders. "Elphaba, I am completely and utterly, one hundred percent serious. If I weren't, I'd hardly have suggested it, let alone given you an I.O.U. for it."

The look on Elphaba's face nearly made Fiyero's heart burst into song – her smile was so wide, it looked like her face was about to split into two. Fiyero couldn't help returning the grin.

"What are you thinking about?" Fiyero asked as Elphaba's eyes took on a faraway look.

"Just wondering…"

"Wondering what?"

"Well," Elphaba said hesitantly, "I was just wondering if my father would allow me to go back with you for Lurlinemas."

It was evident just by the look on his face how exciting Fiyero found this prospect. "Did you think…?"

Elphaba shrugged. "Probably not, but it's worth asking."

"If you could…that would make my Lurlinemas."

Elphaba smiled up at her boyfriend. "Mine, too."

"Well, then," Fiyero said, his eyes twinkling, "we'd better see if we can arrange it."