AN: I am terribly sorry about that crummy chapter. Hopefully this one's better. I update early so Bella wound kill me.

Btw- May the forth be with you.

And, I figured out how to write during rehearsal without getting caught for not paying attention (and making sure my best friend isn't reading over my shoulder. Lol) It's officially Hell Week for me. Don't be surprised if I don't survive.

Also- very itsy, bisty, teeny, tiny, you gotta squint and tilt your head to see it TFIOS reference. Very small. I'll mention it if no one gets it.

Disclaimer: Does Elphaba go by bubble? Didn't think so.

Chapter 11~ I'm back!

As soon as Holda's actions registered to her brain she shoved Edric away from her.

"What the hell was that?!" She demanded, furious.

Edric ran his fingers through his hair, almost in panic. "I don't know!" He shouted back.

They were silent for a moment, save all the loud breaths they were exhaling. Finally Edric spoke up. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you."

Holda shook her head. "You didn't kiss me."

Edric have her a ludicrous look. "What? Yes, I…" the wheels turned "ohh." He understood now.

"Nobody kissed anybody." Holda clarified again. Edric nodded. "Agreed." He let out a shaky breath. If he could be honest with her, he really enjoyed the kiss.

"I should go." She stated walking away. "Wait, Honda." He reached out for her hand.

"What?" She wanted to know, annoyance in her voice.

He tried to form a sentence but all that came out was, "Congratulations, on the uh… engagement." He stuttered.

She gave a curt nod. "Thank you." Then left. There was nothing more to say. She couldn't just come out and say that she didn't feel what he was feeling. She knew it in his voice.

[Line]

Before everyone knew it, it was almost winter break. Time just flew by, and for the gang it flew with passing and pleasing grades. No surprise that Elphaba beat everyone though, not that it was a competition.

The group planned to meet at the cafe outside of Shiz before leaving in separate carriages to go over their respective boarder lines.

Fiyero was late, as in he wasn't there yet. They planned to meet twenty seven minutes ago.

Nessa was sipping on her drink, Elphaba was tapping the table with her fingers, and Galinda and Boq were gabbing it up.

"Where is he?" Elphaba questioned again. "He's never been this late." She added.

Boq agreed. "He's usually tardy by like ten minutes tops, not thirty."

"He probably forgot." Nessa guessed. Elphaba shook her head. "As insignificant as this little get-together is, he wouldn't just forget it." She defended her boyfriend.

A small chime was heard from the front of the facility, meaning that someone had entered. Sure enough it was Fiyero.

"Sorry." He flustered, sliding into a chair next to his favorite green girl and planting a kiss on her head.

"What were you doing?" Galinda was the first to wonder.

"Last minute Lurlinemas shopping." He confessed, now putting his arm around Elphaba's shoulders.

"And who was said last minute Lurlinemas shopping for?" Galinda batted her eyelashes.

"It's a surprise." He deadpanned, causing the blonde to playfully pout.

"I assume it was for a certain girlfriend of yours?" Boq pressed on.

"May-be." He broke up the word, hinting that Boq was correct.

"You didn't tell me you were cheating on me." Elphaba sarcastically commented. He attempted to glare at her.

"So," Nessa tried to get off subject "what's the Vinkus like this time of year?"

Fiyero sighed. "Beautiful. It snows, people hang up lights, you'll love it." He gushed.

"I've never seen it snow before." Elphaba mused.

Fiyero furrowed his brow. "Never?" She shook her head. "Not once."

Fiyero wanted to say so many things, about what a jerk Frex was, about how of course Nessa had seen snow, and how he really couldn't believe she had never seen snow before.

Lucky for him someone cut his thoughts off. "We better get going, if we're going to get there on time and everything." Nessa suggested and they all agreed.

Goodbyes were said, hugs were given, Galinda almost cried, and then they were off.

[Line]

Fiyero strutted up to the palace doors, Elphaba rolling her eyes as she pushed Nessa.

He pushed the doors open with a loud 'bang' and posed in the center of the two doors, while at the same time announcing his arrival in the loudest voice he could muster.

"I'm baacckk!" No response.

He repeated himself, louder. "I'm baacckk!" Still nothing.

Elphaba walked in with Nessa and called out a simple "Hello?"

Suddenly they heard footsteps rushing towards them. "Elphaba's back!" Hanlynn shouted while Raevyn and the boys squished her with hugs.

There was a chorus of 'We missed you so much.' And 'So good to have you return.' Zaq even said "Welcome back to your future home."

Then he slyly whispered in her ear. "If you still need kidnapping, I'm still up for it." Elphaba chuckled. "I don't think that's necessary." She whispered back.

He frowned and Nessa sent Elphaba a pair of raised eyebrows.

She assured her sister she'd tell her later.

[Line]

When Frex and Holda arrived two days before Lurlinemas, a big happy family dinner was in order, one that would be just them. An early Lurlinemas dinner almost.

The table was extremely decorative. Tons of red and green tied into a lot of the food, even the candles were those colors.

Everyone looked their best, but if it were a contest, Fiyero would win. Unlike the other gentlemen at the table in their business casual attire, Fiyero was in a back tuxedo. What's worse is he'd have beads of sweat occasionally descending down on his forehead. Elphaba glared at him.

"What the heck?" She wanted to know.

He just used his napkin to wipe it off. "Just hot, that's all." He shrugged her off. She had to agree, it was a bit stuffy in the room, but she couldn't complain too much.

Fiyero's gaze found Elphaba's stunning dress again and he couldn't help but stare. It was dark purple, knee length and one long sleeve on her left arm made of lace. He noticed a hint of glitter tied into it as well.

No doubt Galinda picked it out. Not that he minded. Elphaba looked breathtaking, except now she was in a dress.

Fiyero of course was next to Elphaba on her left, with Hanlynn on his left with Raevyn on her left with Holda on her left with Frex next to her and Nessa at the end. Then on the other side was Zaq followed by Jearo beside his father who was seated by his wife who was across from Fiyero.

They all small talked, sometimes got into a slightly lively conversation from time to time.

Right now the subject was literature, everyone was just thankful that it wasn't religion.

"I like that one book, about the guy who met a girl and then they broke up but then somehow they got back together." Jearo mentioned.

"You gotta be more specific." Kerchack advised.

"Oh, and they had a dog." He added in.

Hanlynn rolled her eyes. "Because that helps so much."

"Elphaba?" Fiyero spoke up.

"Yeah?" She turned her head to him, causing her wavy hair to fan over to her left shoulder.

And it all happened so swiftly. In one quick move, just the way he wanted it to happen, he went from his chair to the floor, on one knee.

Everyone's heart stopped, especially Elphaba's.

Fiyero took a deep breath before pulling out a dark blue velvet box from his pocket, and opened it to reveal a thin gold band with four gold claws that grasped a small, long sided crystal hexagon.

By this time Elphaba's eyes were wide, but Fiyero saw the fear in them.

"I told you I had to do some last minute shopping." He comfortingly spoke.

By this time everyone was in their own state of hysterics. Raevyn had one hand over her mouth to conceal her screams and one hand fanning herself. Hanlynn was speechless and was gawking at the scene. She was witnessing Fiyero proposing to Elphaba.

Zaq did a spit take. Jearo didn't really know what to think. Kala and Kerchack of course had the proudest of faces on, and Holda and Nessa's eyes were filling with happy tears. And to think Fiyero hadn't said another thing yet.

"Elphaba," he began "I love you." He took another deep breath. "And for a while everyone has been predicting this, and Fae, I, I love you." He repeated.

"I love you too." A fond smile crept its way onto her lips.

"And I can't imagine my life without you, I mean I can, but I don't like what I see at all. And… you're my world Fae." Elphaba's eyes were glossing over, she tried her best to sniff the salty water away.

"And…" he sighed again, loss for words "I love you, like I've loved no one else before. Everything about you. Your personality, your sense of humor, your hair, eyes, skin." He added which made her smirk, and more tears threatened to leave her eyes.

"And after one year, nine months, and twenty three days. One amazing year, wonderful nine months and stupendous twenty three days, I finally get to ask you this." He inhaled one heck of a breath before speaking again.

"Fae, will you marry me?"

Frex was just taking this all in. Ten feet away from him stood a boy on his knee, pouring his heart out to his green daughter. The one that he said would never amount to anything in life. The one he said would never get married. And now here she stood, and here he stood, saying that he loved her, green and all, and asking for her hand in marriage.

And to think he had just got to know her, he just started to openly love her then 'boom' in a blink of an eye she would be gone. No longer under his authority.

Elphaba's throat occupied a lump that threatened to make her cry if she spoke one syllable, so she nodded her head, slowly but faster until she actually did start crying.

Fiyero shot up from the ground, and just held her tight in his arms. "I love you." He whispered into her ear through her hair. He closed his eyes, just standing there, holding the love of his life. "I love you so much."

By now everyone was clapping and cheering, very excitedly, except Frex. Not because he didn't approve, no they deserved each other he thought, but he was just too shocked. She wasn't his anymore. Was she really his to begin with?

She finally broke from his embrace and laughed at herself as Fiyero kissed away the tears that rolled down her cheeks. He then smiled.

Finally he took her left hand in his and slid the ring on. It fit perfectly.

She looked up and gave him a nervous smile. "We're really getting married." He returned the beam. "We really are."

[Line]

On the eve of the Lurlinemas festivities, there was always some hoopla going on in the square, people doing some really late shopping, folks roaming the streets, observing the decorative lights, and even a big ice skating bash… for the children.

The 'posse' as Hanlynn labeled the combined group if Thropp's, Tiggular's and the soon to be Thropp and the soon to be Tiggular, were all walking around, taking in all the sights and sounds the season had to offer.

They were all bundled up from head to toe. And with all the chill you would think there'd be snow. Well, there wasn't.

To say that Fiyero was pissed about it would be an understatement.

It was that point of the night where the 'posse' split in more ways than one, all off to explore in their own smaller groups.

Holda and Frex went with Nessa, Hanlynn and Raevyn always went together, same for Zaq and Jearo, it was no surprise that Fiyero continued walking with Elphaba and Kerchack went with Kala.

Fiyero just kept his arm around her shoulder as they walked, keeping her as close to him as possible, not wanting her to freeze.

At some point a little boy, who you could barely see his face from the hat and scarf covering it, lost control of his ball his friends and him were using for catch, and it stumbled right in front of Elphaba.

The boy froze, he saw the green.

She bent down and picked up the blue rubbery sphere, then held it out to him, along with a warm, kind grin.

He cautiously took it back. "Th-thank you, miss." He stuttered. Elphaba lightly chuckled. "You're welcome, just make sure you don't drop it into the roads next time." She sweetly advised.

The boy nodded his head. "Yes ma'am." Before running off.

Elphaba stood back up to her full height to find a grinning like an idiot Fiyero.

"What?" She cut to the chase.

He simply shrugged and pulled her close to him again. "You're just really great with kids, that's all."

"Don't get any ideas." Was all age warned him with, in return for a cheeky smile and Fiyero stopped them, turned her way, and cupped her face, ready to kiss her, but instead a snow flake descended into her nose.

She tried her best to look at it before it melted away. It was cold, and small, but somehow beautiful.

Fiyero's face broke into a big smile as he spotted flakes now coming down everywhere, big fat ones too.

He caught Elphaba mesmerized by it all. After a while, it started to finally lay.

Fiyero scooped up a handful of the cold, white stuff, balled it up, then chucked it at Elphaba's back.

She turned around, infuriated. He frowned in fear. "Uh… sorry?" He tried.

Elphaba just stomped up to him and crushed the snowball on his head she had been hiding in her hand, then smiled maliciously in victory.

He laughed. "Hey, my beautiful hair." He joked, brushing it out with his hand.

She rolled her eyes. "Come on, princie, we promised everyone we'd all meet back up soon."

Fiyero reluctantly came along, but he had to ask one question.

"Do you like it?" He wondered.

"What?" Elphaba furrowed her brow in confusion.

"Snow." He supplied. She smiled lightly and nodded. "I do."

Fiyero couldn't help but smile more at her words. "Now what?" She couldn't believe him.

"You said 'I do'." He responded, giddy as ever. She suppressed yet another roll of her eyes before pulling him along again.

They kept a steady pace but were put to a halt once more when Fiyero felt something cling to his legs, causing him to stumble.

Fiyero looked down and saw a young girl hugging his legs. He was confused until two bright blue eyes looked his way.

"Azbelle, hi." He greeted her before picking her up.

"Hi, Yero." She grinned before hugging his neck.

"Should I be jealous?" Elphaba teased. Fiyero smirked.

"Azbelle, this is my fiancée, Elphaba." He introduced her. "Hello." Elphaba weakly waved.

"Is this the girl you stripped for?" Her innocent voice asked. That sent Fiyero laughing hysterically and Elphaba gawking at him.

"Yes, she is." He answered. "Elphaba, Azbelle kept me company in the waiting room." He explained, she nodded in understanding.

"Nice to meet you." She shook the girl's hand.

The tiny blonde smiled. "Nice to meet you too."

"Azbelle! There you are!" Fiyero recognized her mother's voice.

"Where did you…" she trailed off, noticing Fiyero "oh, hi."

"Hello." He chuckled.

"Mommy, remember Yero?" Azbelle impatiently wanted to know.

She giggled. "Yes sweetheart, I remember him." She said, taking her daughter from Fiyero's grasp.

"Is this your girlfriend?" The mom wondered about Elphaba.

Fiyero looked down at the ground solemnly. "Not anymore."

She gasped. "I'm sorry, I-"

"She's my fiancée." He proudly smiled.

She understood now and nodded. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." The couple said in sync, then chuckled.

Then the same little boy with the blue ball ran up to Azbelle's mother. "Mom, mom, mom." He breathlessly said.

"Gino-"

"Wait," Fiyero commanded "Gino?" He pointed to the bundled up boy.

"Uh… yeah?" Gino spoke.

"It's me, the guy with the paper shirt!" Fiyero excitedly pointed himself out.

Gino didn't remember at first but then got it. "Oh,yeah. Hi."

"How's the arm?" Fiyero politely asked.

He shook his healed arm around. "Good as new." Fiyero nodded. "Good to hear. So, what are you all doing in the Vinkus?" He questioned.

"Our grandparents live here." Azbelle told Fiyero. She turned to Elphaba. "You're really pretty."

That surprised her, not only was it off topic but she never expected anyone she just met five minutes ago to say that she was pretty.

"Th-thank you." She smiled, so did Azbelle.

"We better get going." Her mother excused them.

"We will see you at the ball?" Fiyero wondered.

"We're going to a ball?" Azbelle's eyes sparkled.

"Of course, as the royal family's honored guests." Fiyero invited them.

"Really?" Azbelle was filled with excitement. Their mother didn't know what to say. "Um… thank you?"

With a quick goodbye the two lovebirds were off.

[Line]

Every Lurlinemas, there was this elaborate, ball (read: extravaganza) to welcome the holiday.

There was always, food, music, dances, alcohol, and ladies in big, funny, pouffy hats.

Fiyero recycled his tuxedo from two nights ago and Elphaba had done the same with her stunning dress. Except now they both had rings on their ring fingers.

Hanlynn and Raevyn made an effort to get a bit more gussied up, in matching green and red spaghetti strap numbers with flowing skirts. They looked ravishing with their faces all painted up and heels that made them three inches taller.

Jearo and Zaq were even forced to wear ties.

Once Azbelle got into the room, her little eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open. It was a breathtaking sight.

She searched for her favorite prince and dashed to him. Fiyero and Elphaba smiled at her euphoria. "It's all so big!" The young girl exclaimed.

It was then that time of the night where everyone was supposed to find someone to dance with.

Elphaba noticed a bored out of his mind Gino and walked over to him.

"Would you care to dance?" She wondered and he furrowed his brow. "Me?" He pointed to himself. She nodded 'yes' in reply.

"What about the other guy?" She chuckled and assured him that Fiyero could find another partner. They then walked out to the dance floor and waltzed.

Fiyero, as Elphaba predicted, found a person to waltz with. Her held Azbelle up to his height as he danced while she held his hand in the air and put her other hand on his shoulder. Azbelle would be lying if she said she didn't have a crush on the prince.

Hanlynn just sighed and gazed out at all the people having a good time.

"Excuse me?" She heard a dead sexy, deep, cello like voice vibrate. "May I have this dance?"

She turned to find a man, well, more like a hunk at her side, extending his strong hand out to her. His face was about as sexy as his voice.

Strong jawline, perfect smile, sparking blue eyes, recently cut chestnut hair. She blinked twice.

"I'd be honored." Came her response as she put her dainty hand into his own. He chuckled.

"I'm surprised you said yes." He confessed and she was shocked. Who would pass up this cute boy?

"Why's that?" She wanted to know.

"Because eight years ago you screamed when I kissed you, then you ran away."

She stopped dead in her tracks. "Mellvin?!" She shrieked.

"Lemme guess, no go on the dancing?" He sheepishly estimated.

How could this be Melvin the slug? 'He didn't have blue… oh wait, yes he did. But he didn't have brown… oh yeah… he did.' Her eyes looked at his ear, well the skin right before the ear. It had a little scar. Just like the one Melvin got from his cat scratching him. She looked at his beautiful face again. Puberty was very kind to him.

"No, it's just that, I didn't recognize you." She weakly told him. He simply leaned down and kissed her. When he broke away she didn't shout and flee.

There weren't any words to really say, so they just danced.

"Hanlynn, who's the hottie?" Fiyero teased when him and Azbelle were close to his sister.

"You remember Mellvin, don't you Fiyero." She casually said. Fiyero gawked at him. He was taller that Fiyero, only by an inch or two but still.

"Who's the cutie?" Hanlynn broke Fiyero stare.

"This is-"

"I'm Azbelle, Fiyero's best friend." She interjected which made them all silently snigger.

They both parted ways to enjoy the rest of their nights.

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