Say there's a future for us as a pair

by lonelylittledot

In an attempt to escape Oz, the Witch and the Scarecrow walk through the Time Dragon Clock, not expecting the mystical machine to transport them back to the time when they where simply Elphaba and Fiyero. Having retained their memories and been handed a second chance, will the pair be able to change their story and find their happy ending? [shameless fluff pretending to be a story]

8. She'll have to manage without you

"Elphaba, I'm so proud of you! I know father will be, too!" Nessarose said, squeezing Elphaba's hand. The platform was busy with people boarding the train that would take them to the legendary Emerald City, and, since Elphaba and Galinda were soon supposed to join those lucky ones, Nessarose had decided to see them off to the platform. She was joined by Boq, and Elphaba was not sure whether it was Nessa's nagging or the prospect of catching one last glimpse of Galinda that persuaded the persistent Munchkin to tag along.

"Goodbye, Miss Galinda," he said dreamily, hypnotized by Galinda's radiant smile.

"Take good care of our lovely Nessa," she reminded him cheerfully, "won't you, Biq?"

Frustration flashed through Boq's face. "It's Boq!" he snapped, casting an annoyed glance at Nessarose. "And… and I can't do this anymore!" he added and ran off.

"Boq!" Nessarose exclaimed after him. She looked at Elphaba with a hint of accusation in her eyes. "Well, Elphaba, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Safe journey!"

Elphaba moved to follow her, but Galinda grabbed her hand, holding her back.

"Elphie, let her go! She'll have to manage without you," she said, taking Elphaba's hand. "Let's go!"

Elphaba was just about to follow her into the train, but froze halfway up the stairs when she heard her name being called. He wasn't supposed to be here, she thought, turning around slowly to see Fiyero run frantically towards her. Her heart fluttered at the sight of the red poppies he held in his hand.

"Phew! Perfect timing," he gasped, coming up for air. He smiled briefly at Galinda, who was watching him from the back, but his full attention shifted almost immediately to Elphaba. "I'm happy for you," he said, looking at her longingly. Her eyes were at the same level as his now; his face so close, she would only have to lean forward ever so slightly, tilt her head just a little bit and…

The sound of the conductor's whistle snapped her out of the dreamlike state. She almost yanked the flowers out of Fiyero's hand, feeling her an electric tingle as her fingers brushed his for a second, mumbled some incoherent form of a thank you, and hurried ran up the stairs.

"Good luck!" she heard him shout after her, but didn't turn around until she reached her compartment. She only trusted herself to look out the window as the wheels creaked and the train began to move. And there was Fiyero, still standing on the platform; and though he obviously couldn't see her, she kept her eyes fixed on his face until she was no longer able to make out his distant silhouette.