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Elphaba forced her eyes away from the door yet again. It felt so strange to be at the breakfast table without Fiyero, even as few days as they'd spent there.

"My apologies," he dashed through the door at last. "I was detained. Our parents will not be joining us. They are meeting with the officiator."

Elphaba tilted her head, "Officiator?"

"For the wedding." He nodded toward the stewards, who brought plates of warm pastries and cold fruit. "Miss Nessarose and I are to join them."

"Oh."

"And…Aruc will be here shortly."

"What?"

"I thought it convenient, considering." He shot her a meaningful stare. "He can keep you company until our meeting is concluded."

That stupid agreement. She'd so hoped to avoid it. "Fine. But he'd better behave."

Fiyero stilled long enough to meet her eyes. "He will." They ate in hurried silence, caught in their own thoughts and worries.

"What a glorious morning," Aruc's jovial presence flooded the room as he noisily kissed both girls' cheeks. "You, too, pookie?"

Fiyero pinched his friend's lips before they could touch down and pushed them away. Then he blotted his mouth with a napkin and stood. "Ready Miss Nessarose?"

"Leaving so soon?"

Elphaba's eyes begged for deliverance, and he flashed an apologetic smile. "We must. I still have that work from yesterday waiting." He led Nessa toward the door, stopping to murmur in Aruc's ear, "Behave."

Then they disappeared, leaving her alone with Aruc. She stretched her breakfast in hopes of rescue, but all too soon, she found herself without excuse.

"Right then, shall we?"

She sighed. "If I must."

He looped an arm toward her waist, which she stealthily avoided. He converted the motion into a grab for her hand, but she dodged again. Aruc took a step back to study her. "Going to make me chase you, then?"

"I'd rather you didn't, in fact."

He leaned closer, "Only way to avoid that is to be caught."

She matched his lean with a sweet smile. "I wouldn't bet on that." Then she spun in the opposite direction. He followed, and she backed away, faster and faster, gaining speed until she abandoned all pretenses and raced toward the closest hallway.

"Oh, blessed Lurline," he swore and tore off in chase. She whirled round a corner, narrowly avoiding an ill-placed vase. "You know, this only makes me want you more!" he called, breathless from the exertion as she dodged through fountain and finery. "Is it so bad to be caught?"

She laughed. "Very!"

She took a blind turn and slammed headfirst into a steward. The man's stared at her with wide eyes, and she burst out her apologies between pants. Aruc, sensing his opportunity, sprinted toward her, and she scrambled to her feet, narrowly avoiding his grasp.

"You're fighting the inevitable."

"So are you," she said as she vanished through a tapestry.

"What then? We're destined to continue this chase into eternity?" Aruc barreled after her, and she twisted through several sharp turns, unable to throw him off.

"No," she puffed, "just until you give up." She chanced a look back, and squeaked at how much of the distance he'd closed. He made a push, and his fingertips brushed her elbow.

"So eternity, then."

She scowled and redoubled her efforts. They tore around the castle with no sense of propriety, and Elphaba felt herself giggling in abandon.

The chase stretched on, and her lungs ached with the exertion. She needed to regroup. With a well-timed burst of speed, she sprinted out of sight long enough to plot a hiding place – a narrow niche with a clear escape path.

Aruc raced halfway across the room before he slowed. He tilted his head. "Hmm." He studied the room. "Come out, come out, my cute little mouse."

She held her breath despite her lungs protestations for oxygen. He checked to her left. To her right. Took another step away… and then snatched at her edge of her skirt.

She yelped and darted out of his grip. She pressed for more speed, Aruc right on her heels, and she spun away from him just as his fingertips brushed her back. She gripped the frame of a door and flung herself blindly through it, and right into her father.

"Elphaba? What are you doing?" Confusion morphed to anger just as Aruc snatched her from behind.

"Got you!" He wheezed as his arms landed around her waist. His lips found her ear, "Lurline, you're a fast little thing, aren't you?"

Then he looked up to see their witnesses…staring. He gulped.

What a fine picture they must have made - cheeks red, hair disheveled, panting. Elphaba's face flooded with color.

Fiyero glared at Aruc while the others' eyes all settled on Elphaba. Aruc took a giant step away from her. "We were…" he chanced, but then he abandoned it. "I apologize, your majesties. If you'll excuse us…"

He tugged at her to leave, but Fiyero stood.

"Please pardon us a moment." He crossed the room. "I believe I should remind my friend of the proper behavior with our guests."

The king nodded. "I think that wise. We'll continue in your absence."

"Not too long," a thin, wiry man with a sharp, sullen face commanded. "There is much to discuss, your highness."

"A moment," Fiyero assured him, and then he pushed Aruc out the door.

Elphaba ducked after them, grateful to escape the many eyes.

"Sorry, mate," Aruc began. "We didn't mean to break in on your-"

"I asked you to behave!" Fiyero interrupted, and Aruc slunk back at his tone. "And you terrorize her chasing her through the castle?"

"I didn't mean-"

"Aruc, please be sensible. You make it difficult to vouch for your honor when you follow it with such brutish behavior."

"It was just a game," Elphaba intervened. "You needn't be so angry."

"No, he's right." Aruc held up a hand. "I shouldn't have run after you. I'm sorry."

"I all but challenged you to it." She turned back to Fiyero. "Don't be cross with him."

"You told me to have him behave, and by Oz, I will. Since he is so incapable on his own." Aruc nodded, eyes downcast, and Fiyero cupped her cheek. "You're certain you're alright?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Of course I am."

"Perhaps we should save the games until later, then," he directed to Aruc. "I'll come to the library when I'm done. I trust you'll be more civil to my fiancée, at least?"

Aruc nodded again and mumbled a sincere apology.

"Sorry about your meeting," Elphaba added. "We didn't mean to interrupt."

Fiyero smiled gently at her. "Actually, it's the most entertainment I've had all morning." His gaze hardened at Aruc, "Not that it's an invitation to misuse my guests again."

"How much longer will you be?"

He squeezed her hand. "Too long. But it gets longer the more I stay here, I fear." He brushed a thumb across her cheek. "No more running, yes?"

"Yes, Father," she mocked. "Honestly."

He quirked a smile and tapped her nose. "Careful, or I'll discipline you, silly girl," he teased. He stepped toward the door. "You'll be at the library?"

"Yes."

He flashed a smile, and she heard his echoing thoughts as if he'd spoken it out loud – rare and pleasing. She blushed. He grinned, until he faced the door. Head hung, he treaded through the door like a man about to be executed.

Aruc offered her a gentlemanly arm and led her toward the library. His new polite manner kept him reserved, so different from the vibrant boy that had been chasing her moments ago.

"Are we bound to silence now?"

He blinked up at her. "No, Miss Elphaba. Unless you'd prefer it?"

"While this reprieve from your useless advances is welcome, your newly forced civility is not." She shook him. "Aruc, relax. Are you that afraid of Fiyero?"

"Of course not." Aruc gave a dismissive snort, puffing out his chest. "Merely attempting to be more hospitable."

"Is this silent staring game more hospitable, then?"

She wrinkled her nose, and he laughed. "True. I apologize yet again, Miss Elphaba. I seem to be making quite the fool of myself today."

"Today?"

He narrowed his eyes, but didn't rise to the bait.

"I don't see why Fiyero had to yell at you, though. I mean, I know I told him to make you behave, but-"

"You shouldn't have needed to tell him that. If my behavior is that atrocious, then I am truly sorry, Miss Elphaba."

"Stop apologizing." She rolled her eyes. "And drop the Miss Elphaba, or shall I call you Master Aruc? If you could be so informal when we were strangers, why be so distanced now?"

"So we're closer, then, are we?"

She pushed his face to the side. "Don't push your luck."

They reached the stairs, and she took hold of the banister, surprised that he didn't drop her arm. The formal escort made her stiff as it lent more serious intention to their meeting than she desired.

"Is that why you're here this morning? To babysit Fiyero's guest?"

"Babysit?" Aruc raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you'd call this?"

"Isn't it? I thought you all had some ridiculous rules about not leaving a guest alone."

"Hospitality is not ridiculous. It's a demonstration of the value that we place on your presence and of the strength of honor we hold ourselves to. One I am ashamed to have dishonored."

"It was just a game."

"It was improper."

"Oh, who cares about improper?" Elphaba huffed, and Aruc grinned.

"Is that so?"

"That's not what I meant, and you know it."

"Don't worry. I won't forget myself again so quickly."

"Yes. Mustn't make Fiyero mad again," she teased.

"He was right. I can be too…exuberant at times. He lets me know if I've overstepped. I shan't let my enthusiasm overwhelm again."

'Enthusiasm?"

He bent forward to kiss her hand with a blazing smile. "Oh, very much so."

She blushed and yanked her hand away. "Tell me more. About your culture, not your enthusiasm."

"What shall I tell you?"

She thought of questions, but they all seemed too menial for her to voice out loud. "What do you suppose they're meeting about?"

"The wedding."

"I know that, you buffoon. What is a wedding like here? What should they need to discuss?"

"I suppose, given the length, they are discussing the obligations of the monarchy and the restrictions that entails."

"Are there many?"

"In short, yes." She frowned at the thought of her sister constrained to a life of rules and propriety, though it suited Nessa's strictness provided it was compatible with her religious fervor. "For example, look at now. Fiyero is stuck in a miserable meeting with a bride not of his choosing while I am free to romance the beautiful creature my heart so admires."

"He's lucky to have Nessa."

Aruc leaned away at her tone. "True."

"Isn't arranged marriage custom here?"

"For the monarchy. Else why would I be wooing you?"

She crossed her arms, "Well, I wish you'd stop."

"I thought we discussed this earlier." He grinned. "You only make me want you more."

"Then if I were caught, your affections would turn to more elusive partners?"

He kissed her hand, "Doubtful."

"Yes, but supposing I would be insane enough to be caught…"

He shot her a look. "Should I be so fortunate to win your affection, I fear I shall be even more drawn to you."

"That hardly makes sense. You can't be more drawn to me if I run and if I stop." He shrugged, and she scowled. "It's illogical."

"It's inevitable."

"Uh, you're back to obnoxious, I see."

"He'd better not," Fiyero called darkly as he strode toward them. "Shall I use a more lasting reminder?"

"I'm innocent this time, mate." Aruc stood, not half as calm as his grin implied. "My only misbehavior was adoration."

"Well, I can hardly fault you for that."

"Nessa is downstairs." Fiyero turned to Elphaba, who stood. "Are you ready for our lesson?"

Aruc gave a quick nod and a hasty goodbye, infected by Fiyero's brisk manner.

"You're done early."

"Yes, gratefully," he said, shuffling through several papers on the desk. "Though it's only adjourned until tomorrow."

"Was it so terrible?"

"No. Just dull." He smiled at her. "Certainly not as exciting as your chase about the castle."

She colored. "Are you still cross with Aruc?"

"Should I be?"

"No. I told you it was my fault. I started running."

"He didn't have to chase you." The sternness faded from Fiyero's face into a light humor as quick as it had come, "Although, I suppose he did, in fact."

She shifted at the affection in his eyes. "He shouldn't. I won't be caught."

"That only draws him further in," he said, signing the last page and depositing it in the top drawer.

She rolled her eyes. "That's what he said. What is with you men?"

"You'd blame us? What can man do to withstand the whiles of women?" Fiyero touched a thumb to her cheek. "If you'd rather not be chased, don't be so worth chasing."

"How do you propose I do that?"

He shook his head. "I'm afraid that's impossible."

"Then I'm doomed?"

"Doomed to be admired? Yes, I'm afraid so." He grinned. "Poor Aruc."

"Poor Aruc?" she huffed, incensed. "I'm the one being pursued."

"But he's the one so hopelessly enamored. You have fully bewitched him."

"I have done nothing of the sort. His delusions have captivated him, if anything. It's not my fault if your friend is so blind as to believe me worth desiring."

"Blind?" Fiyero frowned. "In what way?"

She shot him a stern stare. "You know in what way."

"No, honestly, I do not."

"Nessa's the pretty one."

"She is, but so are you – whatever you might think."

"You needn't flatter me with absurdity, Fiyero. I am perfectly comfortable with my own shortcomings. They don't bother me in the slightest."

"Why would you think yourself unappealing?"

She laughed at the oddness of having to explain it. "Look at Nessarose, and look at me." She thrust her chest out proudly, "My sister is the most beautiful girl you could ever hope to meet."

"And you compare yourself to her?"

"No, we're night and day. She's my beautiful sun, and I'm her brooding night."

"But the night is beautiful."

"Then it's a bad analogy," Elphaba snapped.

Fiyero gave a knowing smile. "So the boys always chased pretty Nessarose, and you believed yourself unworthy."

She shrugged. "I'm too tall, twiggy and green to suit the Munchkin boys. What does it matter? They're too frivolous and worthless to interest me." She waved a hand. "I shall likely die a cynical old maid, quite content to be alone with my cats."

He laughed. "Is that how you fancy your future?"

"It would suit me quite well, in fact."

He lounged on the sofa, and she took the seat beside him. "I don't think you'll be given the chance. If not Aruc, some lovesick fool is going to chase you until you're weary enough to relent."

"I've plenty of endurance."

"I don't doubt it." He turned toward her and draped an arm across the back of the sofa. "Well, you are neither too tall, too twiggy, nor too green to suit Vinkan sensibilities."

"I was curious why you didn't react to my skin." He tilted his head, and she amended, "When we first met."

"It's no more odd than your sister's pale pink, is it?"

"Yes!" She laughed. "You thought it normal?"

"No, I meant, our dark skin, her light, your jade, what is the difference?" Elphaba lifted a skeptical eyebrow. "Besides, you were a guest. You expect I'd be so crass as to stare? Now it is just part of you."

"You hid your disgust?"

He gave her a withering look. "Surprise, not disgust. You are not the slightest disgusting."

"But why hide it?"

"Why not tell Nessa about our lessons? We avoid embarrassing those we care for."

"You can't care for me before you met me."

"Can't I? Is that not the meaning of hospitality?"

"So you don't actually like me, you're just being the host you're expected be."

His face sobered, and he leaned close enough to make her shift. "I like you plenty."

"Because you're supposed to."

"My affection is not defined by my responsibilities."

"Isn't it?"

"Is yours? Do you care for Nessarose because you must?"

"How often you exploit that! Find another argument."

He laughed and cupped her cheek. "I wouldn't dare. You refuse any logic you find unattractive, whatever it's truth."

"I do not!"

"You do. You're willfully blind, convincing yourself that you are plain and I uncaring."

"Both true!"

He barked a laugh. "Neither!" He squeezed her hand. "As if anyone could help admiring you with that angelic voice."

"That again?" She scowled and drew her hand away. "Stop mentioning that ridiculous song."

"So I'm not to mention how you're pretty or talented? That's hardly fair."

"And your endless pestering after I've endured Aruc is?"

"Then agree, and I shall cease."

"You're just as obnoxious, aren't you? You've only hidden it longer."

"Perhaps." He leaned back, grinning. "But he is free to chase you, and as I am not, I must endeavor to aid my friend."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "You'd pair me with that cad?"

"He does admire you." His eyes traveled slowly over her, and she flushed. "You know, I think you admire him as well."

"What?"

"I saw that blush. I think your protests are a misdirection lest we discover your true vulnerability."

She glowered. "I assure you, they are not."

"So you say." He winked.

"So I mean!"

His teasing lost its frivolity. "I wouldn't mislead you. He is of better character than he seems. You know I would never let harm come to you. You can trust my estimation."

She squirmed. "Must you be so stubborn?"

He grinned and tweaked her nose. "Yes."

"Enough. You'll talk our whole lesson away again." She produced the brush she'd hidden in her skirts. "You did well enough with dinner, so I suppose we should move on."

"Did I?"

"Don't be too proud," she teased. "But it was adequate, I suppose." He grinned and circled behind her.

"Is this my reward then?" his voice low beside her ear.

"The next lesson."

He unwound her tightly braided hair and slipped his fingers through the strands, freeing them into a long smooth cape that flowed in waves down her back. It should have been innocent as when Nanny helped untangle the worst of her knots, but her breath came more quickly than she'd expected.

"I've wanted to do that since I first saw you," he confessed. "Such beautiful hair hidden away so tightly."

"It's too long to be practical."

"It's perfect." His fingers found her scalp, easing the tension that the tight pull had left. He chuckled low in his throat, "And so like you to keep it a secret."

She swallowed. He worked his fingernails across her scalp, a sea of tingles rippling in his wake. She struggled not to drown in that sea, but her brain was dissolving away with increasing speed. She cleared her throat.

"Nessa is more tender-headed than I am, but-" He gave her hair a quick tug, and she had to stifle a groan. Oz. What was the matter with her?

"But what?"

"Um," Elphaba pushed the brush at him, desperate to trade his fingers for something that would let her think. "She loves to have her hair brushed."

"Don't all women?" The husky note in his voice said perhaps Fiyero felt the strangeness, too. She nodded, but he caught her chin. "Still," he chastised. His hand trailed back to her scalp, combing through the long hair.

"Where did you learn that?" She kept her voice more even than she felt. "Most men are terrible with long hair." Not that she knew from experience, but Nanny had complained so often on the faults of men that she felt the opinion true enough.

He froze and after a long pause, murmured, "Sarima."

"Your…"

"Yes." He restarted his strokes, smoothing her wild hair with brush and hand. "She had long hair like yours, but not so dark. I'd brush her hair for hours."

His tenderness made the admission feel so intimate that she looked down. "I'm sorry."

He lifted her chin again and left his hand as sentry this time. "Whatever for?"

"You must miss her."

His voice was carefully measured, "Yes." He abandoned the brush to bury his fingers in her hair. "But she is gone."

"You think you'll love my sister as much?"

"I hope…" he traced the shape of her ear through her hair, and her eyes fluttered shut despite all her resistance. "But love is hard to command. Time will decide."

"And if not?"

"A life with one's friend is not so terrible, is it?"

"It's not the same."

He kissed the crown of her head. "No, it's not." He drew a deep breath and spun her to face forward. The pull to him stole her breath, and she gaped up at him, eyes wide and fixated on his lips. "You should leave your hair down." He wrapped a strand loosely around his finger. "It suits you."

"Oh?" She cursed her brain for freezing as she stared, doe-eyed like some fool.

"It highlights your lovely cheekbones." He trailed a thumbnail across her cheek. "Aruc would be putty in your hands. Well, more so than he is."

She wrinkled her nose. "Then you should tie it back again."

Fiyero grinned and gathered it in his hands, his forearms propped against her neck. "I refuse to have any part in that travesty."