A/N: Sorry this took so long. I thought I could get some writing in before the holiday. I hope you enjoy. We're nearing the end.

A/N2: A shout out to my anonymous reviewer! Glad you liked the last one. :)

Chapter 40

"Still no sign of Lord Nipp or Buğra?" Fiyero asked Glinda two weeks later. He had returned to the Emerald City and his troops with him. They were being spelled by other Gale Force soldiers who were eager to help now that they knew most Munchkins weren't trying to kill them.

"Nothing which I have to say is very odd. I have sent out sketches of them to every province and ordered them posted everywhere. Someone will turn those buggers in. Anyone have any idea who this Buğra is? Did it seem likely that he'd go willingly with Nipp?" The blonde asked. The two were sitting in her office talking over tea and sandwiches.

"That's the thing. The more time that slips by I fear that poor Buğra might not be with us anymore," Fiyero shook his head.

"You think Nipp used him and then killed him? That's a horrible thought," Glinda heaved a sigh.

"Yes, but I can't see staying with Nipp voluntarily, unless he had something on Buğra," he admitted.

"Could be fear that is running the poor man, but I worry you're right. How's Elphie?" The blonde wanted to know, changing the subject.

"She's doing pretty good. I think that spending time with Mopsi and Popsi was good for all three of them. She's turned her attention back to Private Schultz. He has come a long way, but I think they're kindred spirits of sorts. Both lost their mothers, and it turns out… that I'm glad Schultz didn't go home. I would have gone with him and probably beat his father to death," Glinda could see Fiyero was getting worked up.

"What happened?" She asked.

"He confessed to Private Roth that his father was abusive and that he worried that because he wasn't home, his father did something to his mother," the Vinkun told her.

"Sweet Oz. Is there any way we can ease his mind?" There was a rage building inside her, but she tried to keep it in check.

"I sent a letter to the sheriff and am waiting for his response. If I don't like what I hear then I think a personal visit might be in order," Fiyero's mind was set.

"Schultz is Gillikinese, right?" Glinda knew of a way to get some attention.

"Yes, but should you get involved in this?" He gave her a look.

"Probably not but the kid took a bullet for Elphie. The least I can do is throw my weight around," she smirked. The two kept talking whilst she wrote a letter and they finished their lunch.

"You're holding back from me today. What is it, Timothy?" The Private had finally given her his first name. It seemed like the next move since they both had admitted that their friendship was deeper than colleagues. They sat in the small dining room enjoying lunch.

"I'm sorry Miss Elphaba," she had been unable to break him of that habit.

"What's on your mind?" She pressed.

"I… I can't put my finger on it. I just feel…" he trailed off.

"Out of sorts?" Elphaba finished.

"Yes. Something made me think of my mom today and I just…" since he was not normally like this, the green woman grew concerned.

"It's ok to feel sad, but you should also remember the good times you had with your mom. That's what keeps me going through those moments. I'm sure you have some of those," Elphaba gave him a smile.

"Why didn't my father love me?" There it was.

"I never met him and for his sake I hope I never do. Some people are just wired the wrong way. We mustn't let that stop us from loving other people. I closed myself off for a long time and I almost missed out on being with someone who taught me that there is good in humanity. You need to remind yourself that you did nothing wrong and that you are loved by everyone here. We would not let you stumble," Elphaba patted his hand and he smiled for the first time today. He was about to say something when Fiyero entered the room.

"Ah, my two favorite people," he smiled before approaching Elphaba and kissing her cheek.

"Yero, it is good to see you. Have you seen Boq? I need to speak with him," the green woman said.

"I have not. He's been fairly quiet since the whole incident with Munchkinland," Fiyero was realizing that somehow the Tin Man was staying out of sight.

"I think I know where he might be. I'll see both of you later," Elphaba stood, gave Fiyero a quick kiss on the cheek and was gone.

"She does that a lot lately," he said to the Private as he sat down in Elphaba's vacated chair.

"She has a lot on her plate. Perhaps a nice evening with just the two of you is in order. I mean you can't have me hanging out every night. You two have been incredibly gracious and I can never repay you for all that you've done," Schultz said.

"Hey, you don't need to do anything, but live your life and know that we're always here for you. You might not be wrong about a nice evening for two though. Did she say something to you?" Fiyero asked.

"Sir, I don't mean to be forward… that might not be the right word… what I mean is… Miss Elphaba is very special and I know you know that and I know that she knows you know that, but you don't get any time to yourselves. Even if all you do is spend the time napping, it would be something that I think would do you both some good. At least that's how I always figured life should be, when you're with someone that loves you. I'm not sure I'm making any sense," Schultz admitted. The Vinkun chuckled.

"Find your someone Schultz and when you do, don't let go," Fiyero smiled and left the young man. He had some work to do before this evening.

To Be Continued…