Author's Noe: Thank you so much for your reviews. They certainly make my day and feed my motivation. Please do continue :) And as always, praise is welcomed, comments are strongly encouraged, and constructive criticism is highly recommended. Enjoy. Hopefully the next update will come sooner.

A Little... Well, Complicated

Chapter Two

"You're so handsome. You're so handsome," his mother kept repeating as she fussed with his scarlet vest. They were in front of Shiz University and every pupil starting their first year was supposed to meet the headmistress in the Main Hall in twenty minutes. Devin gently grabbed his mother's hand.

"Mother, please," he said softly. "I let you escort me to Shiz. Can you at least give me the courtesy of avoiding humiliation?"

"So handsome," she said once more, her eyes glittering. Devin couldn't help but smile. He loved his mother so much and he knew that her tears of joy were the greatest form of flattery for him. He would do anything to make her proud. Kissing her forehead softly, he caught the sight of their driver approaching hastily.

"Master Devin, you almost forgot your bouquet," the humble driver said quickly bowing to his Empress and handing the flowers to him.

"Thank you," said Devin receiving them with gratitude, "I don't know where my head is, thank Oz you remembered."

His mother touched them tenderly. "These are pretty. Are they for me?"

"Your daily morning roses at the breakfast nook aren't enough for you?" he asked with raised brow.

She made a face, much like the one a seven-year-old would make, and kissed him on the cheek. She had to be on her tiptoes to do so and that just made him smile wider. He admired his mother's youthfulness and optimism that he realized was beginning to falter in many adults. There was probably a dark history he didn't understand that sparked this epidemic of sorrow and gloom, but he didn't let it interrupt him too much. His generation was still the same naive and carefree creatures he grew up with. And his mother reminded him that there was still so much hope.

"Don't forget to write," she said and waved farewell, following their driver to the carriage. A few people recognized her and bid her hello.

"Look! It's Glinda the Grace!" someone said and several eager students began to run up to her.

"Mind your distance," the driver said trying to hold them back.

"I really must be going," she said, "but everyone have a grand first day of school. May Lurline bless you all."

Devin smirked as he watched the crowd gape at the carriage narrowing down the path. He turned his head away when a number of students began to stare at him, murmuring things such as "the Empress's son" to each other. He liked the attention, but wished that they tried to be more discreet than they were sticking their noses everywhere.

Suddenly a white carriage with red outlines approached the pathway. He smiled as the carriage stopped in front of him. The coach stepped out and opened the door for the passenger. A young woman appeared inside, her pecan brown hair in round curls over her small shoulders. She was wearing a red fall dress that went down to her ankles.

Devin offered his hand and helped her off. He kissed her hand gently and pulled the flowers from behind.

"I've missed you," he said, feeling his heart lighten as he gazed at her.

She took the bouquet appreciatively and her eyes sparkled when she smiled. "You're sweet," she said. "Thank you, they're beautiful."

They started walking into the Main Hall where he noticed more and more students staring at them. He didn't exactly know why they were so curious to see a pair of lovers, but wished nonetheless that they would all disappear. He loved Genessey ever since he met her and no person would get him to feel differently.

"I'm really glad you reconsidered Shiz," he said, taking her hand delicately. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Neither would I," she said, laughing a bit. "You always give me the courage to push forward." She squeezed his hand, which made his heart melt. "Besides, not only did Mother recommend it, so did your mother- well, naturally, since you were going- and Aunt Elphaba."

It took a while for Devin to recollect a clear image of Elphaba's face. He remembered seeing her many times in his younger years, but for some reason, they hadn't talked in a while. And it wasn't because he didn't like her well enough. She was bold and almost fearless, but fair and honest. She was the only one who didn't sugarcoat anything for him, and gave him advice he could actually use. Although it was difficult to remember her face, it wasn't hard to recall her green skin. It was almost disgusting- he pitied her for that, a woman with such great power.

"Are you still planning to take sorcery this year?" he asked. They sat on the fountain bench near the entrance of the Main Hall.

"I'm not sure if I should go on with it," she said, "I was thinking of dropping it. Who is the instructor?"

"It's customary that the headmistress teaches the seminar. It is supposed to be one of their qualifications... what is it?"

"My friends are near the corridor. I had no idea they were attending Shiz."

"Go to them," he said, even though he didn't want to let her go. "At least now you won't be alone."

She looked into his eyes and placed a hand on his face. "I was never going to be alone." He smiled and kissed her softly, and let her welcome her friends. His eyes followed her to them until a splash of water caused him to stir.

"So Miss Wicked Witch of the East decided to come after all?" a friend named Kenton said sitting beside him, admiring the tall woman statue in the middle of the fountain, which had a single drape of clothing around her.

"Don't call her that, for Oz's sake," Devin said, "Or did you forget that she has a very well-built boyfriend?"

"And handsome too, I presume?" Kenton asked smirking.

"Naturally," he answered.

"I was only teasing you, but I was looking forward to just us fellows. Anyway, you've heard about the rooming here right?"

"Dormitories. Just like any other school. What's the big deal?"

"No, no, not like any other school. Co-ed rooming."

Devin froze then felt a warm smile emerging from his lips. "That should be exciting for you. You may finally get yourself a girl."

"Oh Devin you sleigh me. Look. My cheeks ache from your indescribable, uproarious sense of humor."

"I get the point Kenton."

"At least you'll be able to spend more time with your fair lady."

"Speaking of which, do you happen to know why everyone is just so happy to see us? Or do I have toilet paper underneath my shoe?"

"You don't know? With a big head like yours I'd figure you'd be the first to know." He laid his suave blonde head down on the marble bench and sighed.

"Enlighten me, oh Knowledgeable One," said Devin.

"No one can seem to understand why such a debonair, gorgeous, almost godly creature as yourself would take interest in such a small-town pretty, quiet mouse that is the Governess's daughter of Munchkinland."

"No one cares to take notice that she is the Third Empress's daughter?"

Kenton sat up and looked at him stunned. "Please don't tell me you are that blind to think that Nessarose was made Empress because of her outstanding excellence."

"Not another word," said Devin angrily.

"I'm glad you uphold the same respect for my mother as you do your own," said another voice. Devin turned around to see Genessey standing near them. Her eyes were unblinking, but she had this curl on her lips as if they were about to tremble. She tried to stay strong though and remained focused on Kenton.

"I'm terribly sorry," said Kenton, giving a side glance to Devin. "Excuse me as I dwell on my horridness." Devin managed to ignore the slight sarcasm in his voice. He stood up and looked at Genessey for a moment. She embraced him.

"Kenton shoots off his mouth a lot," he said sensitively. He brushed her hair gently. "He didn't mean it." He hated lying to her that way.

As he pulled away, a circle began to form around the Hall. The headmistress walked in and he couldn't believe his eyes. Genessey seemed to have caught his expression because she spoke up.

"Devin, don't you remember? Aunt Elphaba is headmistress of Shiz."

It seemed that he had not remembered. Granted, he had other things to worry about than know the specifics of their headmistress, but he was more or less relieved that she was there. Now he knew they were in remarkable hands.

"Students, friends, welcome to Shiz University," Headmistress Elphaba said, her black robe swaying with such mystifying grace. "I truly hope that each and every one of you enjoys and learns from your stay here in Shiz. I have confidence that you will all exceed my expectations. We are not a prison here in Shiz; so accordingly, I have set more compromising regulations, including those regarding dormitories. Yes, they are co-ed. Now here is the catch-"

"I knew it was too good to be true!" Kenton said from across the hall.

"Let me finish before you get your underwear in a bunch, Mr. Ferris," she said. A few people laughed. "If you happen to become friendly with your roommate and decide to skip studying for an exam for a night of hot, raw, passionate sex, and one of you becomes expectant, it is none of my concern. You are all adults; you do as you please. But, let me warn you now that if you happen to be in labor during your final exams, there will be no way of recovering your tests. So think twice and check your calendars before sleeping in the same bed.

"Second note: Harassment of any kind is not tolerated in Shiz University. Any hint of such violence result in immediate removal from my property. And trust me- such sanction from the finest school in Oz by one of the Empresses will guarantee you no spot in any other school. And I do have a knack for knowing what goes on."

Everyone was hushed. The deafening silence could be heard from miles away. They instantly knew how severe the consequences were, and trusted their headmistress with everything. She was indeed fair but brutal when someone broke her trust. No other school would allow co-ed dormitories. But then no other school was run by Empress Elphaba.

"Forgive me if I sound intimidating," she continued, laughing. "I had little sleep last night. The list of roommates are on the door-" she waved her hand and a parchment materialized where she had indicated, "-and they are final until further notice."

A stampede charged to the door, fervently checking who their lucky roommate was. Devin didn't really have a worry so he decided to check once the crowd died down. Genessey was in agreement with his thoughts and they both walked up to Elphaba to greet hello.

"It's so nice to see that the tradition of attending Shiz lives on," she said as they advanced to her. She kissed Genessey's forehead and tipped her hat to Devin.

"I wouldn't have come if it wasn't for Devin," said Genessey.

"Well, I'm glad he convinced you otherwise," said Elphaba smiling. She observed Devin for a while and he felt a bit of nerves devouring him. He wondered what she was thinking. And she spoke, "You look just like your father when I first saw him here. Especially with that vest on."

"Thank you... I think," he said unsure. Fortunately, she laughed, and Genessey followed. He smiled, pulled her closer to him.

"Hopefully, you won't be the same troublemaker he was," said Elphaba crossing her arms nonchalantly.

"Troublemaker?" questioned Devin. He never knew how his father at his duration attending Shiz, whether he was popular or a slacker. Actually, his parents hardly spoke of their time at Shiz. He supposed it was where they all met.

"Shiz was the place that determined our... greatness, I guess you can call it," said Elphaba. "I hope you find your place in this world here too. Go on and check the list. You should get ready to unpack."

They said their goodbyes and waited for the several to leave the doorway so they could check their names. Devin hoped that he would be able to get to know Elphaba better because she had definitely intrigued him. His mother always talked about how wonderful she was and witty. He almost regretted not getting to spend more time with her. She would make a great role model.

The hallway emptied, everyone hurrying to their rooms, anxious to meet their roommate or future lover. Devin and Genessey scanned for their name and at the same time, they both had the same reaction.

"I don't believe it," he said. She squeezed his hand again, but it didn't have the same effect as it once had.

"I'm rooming with one of my friends, but I suppose that won't make you feel any better," she said. He sighed and looked at her. She had a small smile on.

"What in Oz do you find funny in this?" he inquired.

"You were so excited, weren't you?" she asked. She kissed him softly, something that she never really did, so it made him feel good despite his bad news.

"Can't we complain?" he asked. He checked the list again. "Rivalyn? I don't know a Rivalyn."

"You'll know her once the day's done," she said shrugging. "Besides, I don't know if Aunt Elphaba will change roommates unless we're in danger."

"Rivalyn," he said thoughtfully. "Aren't you afraid of me rooming with a girl named Rivalyn?"

"I trust you won't do anything to hurt her... or me," she said softly. She knew as well as he did that he couldn't think of anybody else except her. He sighed.

"But Rivalyn's such a lovely name," he said. She laughed and hugged him tightly. He couldn't help but be happy. Not once had she ever kissed or embraced him without having him move first, and knowing that she was more comfortable in this environment made him feel good. He walked her to her dorm and promised to meet her later that night for dinner. He headed toward his room, which was a flight up from hers. He dreaded that he had to be so far from her; perhaps he can persuade Elphaba. His mother was her best friend after all.

He knocked on the door, giving Rivalyn warning in case she was dressing. This was going to be more difficult than he thought. He unlocked the door and opened it. The room was beautiful and huge, almost like a suite. The main room was like a living room set with half a kitchen and a bathroom nearby. On opposite ends were separate rooms: their bedrooms. Thank goodness. Some privacy.

"Who's there?" a voice said.

"Devin Tiggular," he replied looking for a person. The voice was coming from one bedroom. The door opened and a short-haired girl walked out. She had strawberry-colored hair and golden eyes. For some reason she looked familiar.

"Aren't I the lucky one? I get to room with the Empress's son," she said grinning. She had a thick accent, like someone from the Quadling Country, where he guessed she was from.

"I'm just like any other person, only five times better," he said, wondering if that it was the appropriate time to include his one-of-a-kind wit.

Luckily, she laughed. "My name's Rivalyn."

"I know," he said. "I mean, I checked the list. It's nice to meet you."

She drew near him. It kind of made him uncomfortable because she was close enough for him to feel the temperature of her body. Her eyes changed colors to a mixture of green and brown. "Nice to meet you too," she said mysteriously.

She bumped into him a little and went into the bathroom. He heard the lock on the other end of the door and it took him a few minutes to snap out of his reverie of astonishment and uncertain familiarity.