Note:Some of you have expressed concern with regards to this story's rating. I will change it just to be safe, but it is not going to be what you think. I have kept this very clean. Thank you to all who have reviewed so far. I love toread your thoughts/comments/suggestions. As always, I own nothing.
Elphaba's ears were assaulted by the sensuous jazz rhythm of "What Is Oz Without Ozma". Her eyes scanned the vast room. Tables were scattered around a central stage where the singer was teasing a male patron with her feather boa. An elf band accompanied her, their little green bodies swaying to the music.
"Look Elphie! You had a litter of babies!" shouted Boq.
Elphaba shot him a piercing glare. "Don't be stupid, Boq!" she snapped. She stalked off, hoping to find a secluded corner.
Boq looked at Fiyero in shock. "I was only joking."
"I'll go talk to her," Fiyero said.
He saw her slender frame swerving around tables and dancing people. He caught up to her when she leaned against the back wall. She wiped away a tear, trying to ignore the sting. Fiyero handed her a tissue.
"Thanks," she said quietly.
"Boq didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Elphaba crossed her arms over her chest.
"You know he doesn't think of you the way Avaric does. He's your friend."
Fiyero touched her arm lightly. She flinched, but did not move away.
"I know," she sighed. "I just don't see myself having children, and I certainly don't want them to be green."
"Why not? I think it's wonderfully unique and special."
"Not when your own family thinks you're a freak of nature. Narrow-minded strangers I could care less about." She paused to draw a steadying breath. "Do you know what it's like to have your own parents be disgusted by you? They wouldn't even touch me when I was born. Nanny was the first person to accept me for what I was."
Fiyero couldn't believe how awful her parents had treated her. He did know how cruel people could be, though.
"Trust me, Elphie. I do know. I know that Avaric thinks I look ridiculous. I don't care."
Elphaba looked at him. "I think you look beautiful." She slowly traced a diamond on his neck. "I especially like the diamonds."
Fiyero turned her wrist over and kissed it. Elphaba felt her whole body tingle. Fiyero pulled her close.
"Don't ever be ashamed of who you are or what you look like."
He kissed her forehead. Elphaba suddenly felt very uncomfortable. She gently pushed Fiyero away to put some distance between them.
"What's wrong?"
Elphaba didn't answer. She searched for an escape. To her left was an ornate wooden door. Its face depicted Adam and Eve in a loving embrace under a tree. A snake watched them from a branch with its tail wrapped around a half-eaten apple. She quickly headed towards it.
"Elphaba! Wait!" Fiyero called after her.
She opened the door and passed through. Fiyero caught up to her just before the door closed. It shut behind them with a thud.
"Well, what have we here? Two curious lovers in search of a deeper meaning perhaps?"
Elphaba and Fiyero turned to see who had spoken. A dwarf stood on their right. He grinned widely, displaying his crooked teeth.
"Who are you?" asked Fiyero.
"The name's Antig, and I run this area. Do you want a room or not?"
"I'm sorry. What are you talking about?"
The dwarf indicated the corridor in front of them. There were five doors on each side.
"These rooms are here for couples to do some 'soul-searching', if you get my meaning." He winked suggestively and waggled his bushy eyebrows.
"I have no soul, so if you could show us the way out we would be very grateful," said Elphaba curtly.
"Of course you don't," responded the dwarf. He didn't sound convinced.
"Give us a room," Fiyero told him.
Elphaba's eyes reflected her horror. Was he mad?
"I knew you'd see reason," Antig said.
He led them down the corridor to the third door on the left. Elphaba and Fiyero entered and heard the door close with a soft click. The room was dimly lit and smelled of lavender. It was equipped with a decent-sized bed and a deep, plush carpet. Fiyero felt the sheets on the bed.
"They're silk. Nice," he commented.
Elphaba stood near the door with her arms folded. She would not look at Fiyero, opting to stare at her boot-clad feet instead. Fiyero moved to stand in front of her. He ran his hands along her upper arms. She shook him off and retreated to the bed. She sat gingerly on the edge. Fiyero sat beside her.
"Elphaba, what's wrong?"
"I can't believe you wanted to do this! I thought you were different. I would expect this kind of behavior from Avaric, not from you."
Fiyero stared at her in shock. "I came in here to find out why you ran away from me, not to get you to sleep with me."
Elphaba looked him in the eye.
"I would never make you do anything you didn't want to," he said. "I just wanted to talk to you."
He took her hand in his. Elphaba sighed and said, "I don't know why I ran away. I guess I was uncomfortable. I'm not used to someone wanting to be near me, let alone touch me."
Fiyero gently stroked her cheek. "If I ever make you feel that way, let me know. I thought you were angry with me the way you took off." He kissed her nose. "I really like you, Elphaba."
The sincerity in his voice made her heart soar.
"Maybe we could start slow. I hardly know you," he said.
Elphaba couldn't believe what was happening. Nobody had ever given a damn about her. She could die and no one would bat an eye.
"I'll have to think about it," she told him.
Fiyero nodded. "I understand. You let me know when you're ready."
Elphaba gave him a small smile. "I will." She stared at her hands, unsure of what to say next.
Fiyero watched her and smiled. He hoped she would agree to his proposition. They sat for a few more minutes listening to the muffled noises coming from the adjacent rooms. Elphaba stood and began to pace the room in an attempt to block it out.
"Do you want me to take you back to your dorm?" asked Fiyero.
Elphaba nodded slowly. She was feeling very tired. Fiyero took her arm and led her to the door.
"Fiyero, wait." Elphaba kissed him shyly on the cheek. "Thank you," she said.
Fiyero smiled and opened the door. Antig, still grinning rudely, showed them the way out. The cool night air flooded Elphaba with serenity. She breathed deeply, glad to be out of the clutches of incense. Fiyero hailed a cab, and they rode to Shiz in silence. Elphaba rested her head on Fiyero's shoulder. The ride was far too short for Fiyero's liking. He enjoyed being with Elphaba and was reluctant to leave her. They walked quickly and quietly to Crage Hall.
"Thank you again for taking me back," Elphaba said when they reached her room.
"It was my pleasure. I had fun tonight," said Fiyero.
"So did I."
"Good. I'm glad."
There was a short pause before Elphaba wrapped her arms around Fiyero's waist and hugged him tightly. She pulled back just as abruptly. She stood with her mouth slightly agape. She had shocked herself. Fiyero lightly squeezed her shoulders.
"Good night, Elphaba. I'll see you tomorrow," he said.
Elphaba went into her room when he was out of sight. She slumped against the door and slid down to the floor. What had she gotten herself into?