AN: See, I'm reformed! Thanks for all the reviews.

Fiyero stared in shock, and he could practically hear the sizzle as the unwanted image seared into his mind. Appalled, he stumbled back, not bothering to close the door, and ran.

He fled through the palace as if he could escape the memories taunting him from his mind. Beautiful, perfect Elphaba moaning over his son.

Disgusted, he vaulted to the bathroom to vomit.

This couldn't be happening. This had to be a nightmare. How would he be with Elphaba after his son had…been with Elphaba? He shuddered as the bile rose again.

How could she? He could have sworn she felt the same feelings he did. They had a deep connection that no one else could fill. How could Elphaba sleep with his own son? Didn't she have any feelings for Fiyero? Didn't she want to be with him at all? How could they be together now?

He planted his face on the cool tile floor. He had never felt so devastated, so confused in all his life. Did he still want her? His heart confirmed that he did even as his gut twisted again. Did she want him? He thought of all the little looks, the subtle intimacy the two shared. He would wager his entire life's fortune that she felt at least something for him.

But how could he? The image swam up again, and Fiyero batted it down ferociously. Could he ever sleep with his son's ex-bed partner?

He pushed the thought away, disgusted with himself when the answer wasn't obvious.

One way or the other, he had to know how she felt, and then they could cross that bridge when they got there. If he didn't throw himself off it first.

"Can I talk to you?"

Fiyero blinked up at Elphaba as if she were a ghost. Maybe fate had decided he had suffered enough. He nodded limply and trailed after her.

Two feet down the hallway, Gema bustled toward them from the other end, gesturing a warning, and Elphaba pushed him flat against the wall. Fiyero hung his head, depressed that he couldn't even work up some excitement for her hand pressed into his chest.

"Gemamarianne-Rosalie! You get back here this instant! I will not have you traipsing around dressed like a trollop no matter how heartbroken you are over that young man!"

Gema rolled her eyes and gestured toward her fully-concealed figure. "Yes, I'm a hussy if ever I've seen one. And I am NOT heartbroken over Lahrz. I think he and Aunt Elphie look cute together."

He winced at her words as he desperately tried to blank out the tormenting images. He squeezed his eyes shut until he saw enough stars to rival the memory.

"Don't you get cute with me. As soon as I find your father –"

"He'll what? Not care?" Gema crossed her arms, highlighting the family resemblance, and Nessa let out a huff of annoyance. She gripped Gema's ear firmly and tugged her in the opposite direction.

"None of that lip from you, missy."

Gema hissed and mouthed to Elphaba, "Save yourselves." Nessa tugged at her ear again, and Gema complained, "Ouch, Mom! Cut it out!"

With a sudden wrench, Gema broke free and tore down the hall in the opposite direction. "You get back here this instant!" Nessa hollered after the girl in hot pursuit, and Fiyero leaned his head back against the wall in relief. He couldn't handle more pressure right now.

Elphaba grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the salon. He let his fingers mournfully trace over hers until she dropped his grip and shut the door. He shuffled toward a chair, eyes trained on the floor.

"What is this?" Elphaba hissed as she tossed the lock pick down in front of him. "You tried to sneak into my room! Are you crazy?"

"Quite possibly," he admitted. His shoulders felt permanently slumped, weighted by the knowledge he'd been stupid enough to obtain.

"Why?"

"I love you." The words probably could have been more convincing if he didn't sound so dead inside. "I wanted to be with you."

She stared at him. "Fiyero, I'm engaged to Lahrz. Your son."

"Don't you think I know that?" His anger flashed in his eyes. "Don't you think I'm acutely aware of your relationship with my son? But, Elphaba, you mean everything to me. I've already lost you twice. Twice. I can't do it again. I need you."

"Need me? What are you talking about?" She waved her hands hysterically. "You want to steal me from your son? Your own son!"

"I know he's my son! You can stop reminding me!"

"Can I?" Her face hovered in front of his as she poked his shoulder after every sentence. "Can I stop reminding you? Why? So you can feel better about this? What is wrong with you?"

His voice softened and the simplicity of his answer. "I love you."

"You're married! To my best friend!"

"I know!" He caught her hand, fingering the ring he wished matched his. "I know. And I shouldn't love you, I really shouldn't. And sometimes I wish I didn't. But I do. I can't help how I feel."

She took a few steps back to pace and struggled to calm down. "Look, Fiyero. There might have been a time for us when we were younger, but not now. Not like this."

"When we were younger? There's never been a time for us," his bitterness sharpening the words. "Between Glinda and Morrible and the Wizard hunting you down, and your damned isolation, when has there ever been a time for us?"

Her face held her regret there for him to see. She cupped his cheek in her hand and ran a thumb over his lips. "Then maybe we're not meant to be."

His heart cratered, radiating all the way out to his face, which crumpled. "Elphaba…but…" She hushed him with a finger on his lips as her eyes started to well with tears. He slid his arms around her waist reflexively, pulling her to him. "I can't-"

"Fiyero? Elphaba? Where are you?" The door opened behind them. "It's time to – oh." Glinda's voice stumbled, and the pair turned to see everyone gathered in the hallway beyond.

Elphaba blushed, and Fiyero knew his face must have the guiltiest expression ever. Elphaba dropped her hand from his lips and took a step back. He cleared his throat. "This isn't what it looks like."