A Lazy Afternoon
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
Chapter 9
"Tea doesn't bother you?"
"No, I've always liked tea."
"I guess the chemical composition is different enough."
"Yeah, it must be. It doesn't even burn."
"Unless its too hot," Fiyero grinned.
"Ha. Ha. Ha."
"Hey, be nice."
"Poor joke."
He shrugged sheepishly. "What variety would you like?"
"Peppermint."
"Peppermint?"
"Yes, peppermint. That's my favorite."
"That is not a flavor I would have pegged you for."
"I'm full of surprises."
"As I am well learning."
Elphaba smiled and sat on a floor cushion by the fireplace in the café.
"I'll be right back."
She watched Fiyero walk over to the counter. He was looking especially handsome again today. Hell, why was she trying to kid herself, he always looked handsome. His blue diamonds mesmerized her. And he really seemed to care about her. She had already opened up to him more than anyone else, ever. His arms felt amazing.
"Here you go. Peppermint tea. Do you need sugar?"
"No, I take it black."
Fiyero sat beside her, and set about pouring sugar into his tea. Elphaba watched him curiously.
"What?"
"Nothing," she smiled.
"Bullshit."
"I'm surprised you use so much sugar."
"I've never been able to drink it plain. I didn't even like tea until I got to Shiz."
"No?"
"I grew up on coffee. Strong but sweet."
"Ugh, I hate coffee."
"It takes getting used to."
"What kind did you get?"
"I decided to try the peppermint."
"What do you think?"
He lifted his mug to his lips and took a sip. "Not bad."
"Well, that's a start."
She placed her own mug on the small table in front of them, scowling.
"What's wrong?"
"Mug's hot."
"Irritating the burns?"
"Yeah."
He took her hands tenderly. They were no covered in stylish looking blue gloves.
"They'll get better."
"I know. It's just frustrating."
"At least you're not losing sensation. That would indicate something was very wrong."
"Yeah…" She looked down at their intertwined hands. "No loss of sensation."
He ran his thumb over the top of her hand, squeezing gently. She shivered, and smiled. She had never trusted anyone like this. It was a bit disconcerting.
"Are you okay?"
Fiyero lifted his hand up to her hair, which was still pulled back with his belt.
"Hmmm?"
"Are you all right? You seem kind of vacant."
"I'm just thinking."
She leaned back against the wall, taking her hands away from his. Fiyero leaned beside her, but respected her distance. He kept his hands by his side.
"Something's bothering you."
Elphaba shrugged.
"Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No," she answered quickly, then quietly added, "Not exactly."
"Not exactly?"
"I have issues with touching, and trust in general. They're hard to get past."
"Do you trust me?"
"I think so…yes…yes, I do."
"I'm not offended that you merely thing you do…"
"Fiyero…"
"Elphie…I know that you're not going to get over your trust issues overnight. Even an odd night like last night."
"I slept well."
"Good. I wanted you to."
"Nothing like a heartbeat."
Fiyero smiled, and felt his cheeks getting warm and flushed.
"So just bear with me if you will."
He nodded. His left hand was slowly inching its way to her right. Meeting, they locked together.
"Have you ever had trust issues?"
Fiyero shook his head. "I grew up being alone a lot. I had my parents, but in the Vinkus there are a lot of trials of survival. So I was by myself, and had to learn to read people, or rather, signs in general. It's a very important survival skill."
"And one I suck at. I've always just ignored people. Especially those who balk at my skin color."
Fiyero ran his finger along her cheek. "Not much green today. Only your face."
"It's very rare I wear I sleeveless dress."
"You should more often."
Elphie smiled. "You know what I wish I could wear more often?"
"What?"
"Breeches. Those were so comfortable."
Fiyero laughed. "Well, they were pajama pants. Real breeches are not as comfortable."
"But infinitely more covenient."
"Oh?"
"Skirts are a pain in the ass."
"Bulky?"
"Yes, bulky, sweaty…"
"Well, you don't have to wear layers."
"I do when its this humid."
"Ah."
"What is this rope that's in my hair, anyways? It makes such a good hair tie."
"A belt."
"Yours?"
"Yeah. I needed to get your hair off your back last night."
"It's nice. Do you want it back?"
"Eventually. No rush."
Elphaba lay her head against his shoulder.
"Tired?"
"A little. I've felt pretty weak today, despite getting plenty of sleep."
"You've been through a lot."
"I hate being hurt."
"I know." He slipped his arm around her shoulders. "Do you want to head back?"
"Not yet. Enjoy the atmosphere. Read something. I'll be fine."
"You're sure you don't mind staying?"
"No, I like it here."
She scooted to lay down with her head on his thigh. His hand rest on her back, his fingers lightly stroking the thick black fabric of her dress.
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