The morning found Elphaba no less jittery than the previous. He pushed down a bittersweet realization of his last day as her coach with false cheer. "Graduation Day, Thropp."

She rolled her eyes. "It's only one class."

Ignoring her, he intoned, "Ladies and gentleman, may I present the inaugural class of Intro to Athleticism?" She snorted. "The skills and knowledge you have learned in these hallowed halls, um, courts, shall carry with you for-"

"Never," she scoffed, and he forced an affronted look. "Fine. Forever," she mocked. "You've made me a faux jock. Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But I have been changed for the sweatier."

He burst out a laugh, and they started their jog. "Last day. At least now you can sleep in every morning."

"You mean you can sleep in."

He nudged her shoulder. "Well, yes, but you can study or whatever instead."

She shrugged, eyes ahead on the path, "I was thinking I might keep jogging. It's not as bad as it used to be." Her eyes flicked to his and back. "But you don't-"

"Of course I'll come."

She hid her smile in eying their surroundings. "I thought you didn't see daylight until noon. In fact, I'm shocked you've been able to meet me everyday."

He shrugged. "Good motivation."

"Do you parents know about your extra credit, or are you passing your good grades off as repentance?"

He let her feign misunderstanding. "Why? Going to turn me in?"

"And risk getting caught in the blast? No thanks. Your secret is safe with me."

He chuckled. "Nah, they know. But I have done better, actually." Her nod was perfunctory, as if she expected no less. They reached the cafeteria, and he led her up the broad cobblestone. "However, Miss Elphaba" he held open the door with a grandiose wave, "today we're focused on your achievements, not mine."

She wrinkled her nose. "I'd rather we didn't."

"Why not?" He gathered their usual trays. "You've accomplished a great deal. You should be proud."

"I am. And grateful." The soft smile melted into his memory, but too soon it faded. "But I've still got a long way to go. My sprint was too long yesterday, and I've got the hardest tests left. Even with the retests, I'd have to nail everything today to get an A."

His face sank in a frown. "Tell me you didn't spend all night calculating potential outcomes." She shifted in her chair. "What did I tell you? That stuff doesn't help. All it does is psych you out. Focus on what's in front of you."

"My breakfast?" she shot back with a smirk.

"Wise ass."

"Learned from the best."

He stole her apple. "Hey, don't blame me for that. You were just as snarky before we started."

"Fair enough." They finished their breakfast with amicable small talk and headed toward the gym. With half the test behind her, he felt more a crushing sense of finality than a worry for her success.

As they turned the corner toward the gym entrance, he caught her arm. "Hey, before we go in there, I just want you to know-"

But her gaze wasn't on him.

Her sister's wheelchair blocked one of the doors into the gym. He braced for the fallout, a hand on Elphaba's elbow.

"Fabala. I-" She wheeled closer when Elphaba didn't move. "I'm so sorry."

He let go of her arm so she could move to kneel in front of her sister. "Oh, Nessie, so am I."

"You were right about him, and I- You're always right. You were right about Boq, Galinda, Liam, all of it." Nessa cast her eyes up, blinking back tears, and Elphaba took her hands in her own.

"He isn't worth it. You deserve better."

"I'm sorry I blamed you. You can't help if no one can stand to be with me."

"Don't be ridiculous." Elphaba shook her sister's arm before the self-pity could reach too far. "You have me. Always will. Who needs a boyfriend?"

"Easy for you to say." Her brown eyes flicked back to him, so similar to her sister's, but fortunately Elphaba's didn't seem to understand her implications. "I said such horrible things. Even when I was mad, I just…I wish I could take them back. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Having some slight experience with a temper, perhaps I can empathize." Her love for her sister shone through the sarcasm, and he couldn't help wondering what she would have done to anyone else in the same position. Definitely not such an easy forgiveness, that was for sure.

He cleared his throat. "We'd better get you inside."

Nessa wheeled back an inch. "Would you mind? I'd like to watch if that's still okay."

"Don't be stupid." Elphaba squeezed her hand fondly.

Fiyero led her to the sidelines where Galinda and Boq already waited. "Galinda," the brunette offered lukewarm civilly. "Boq."

The blonde met his eyes, and he shrugged. "Um, that's a lovely dress, Nessa." Boq wisely stayed out of the conversation, and in a couple minutes, most of the frost had thawed. Tavon appeared after a minute to clasp hands with Fiyero.

"What're you doing here?"

"Forgot the gym was closed this morning for this test, and since I was here anyway, thought I'd see how your girl does."

When Elphaba returned in her gym attire, Fiyero excused himself. "Ready?"

"Or not, here we are."

He took in the various mats and bars moved onto the floor since yesterday. "Okay, so pushups, crunches and pull-ups?"

"Oh my," she deadpanned.

"You'll be fine. Try to do the crunches in the middle, if he gives you an option. Rest your arms."

Bidsk and the other coaches came out to review the stations. Her row had crunches first, so she crossed the gym to the mats on the far side.

The coach tapped his stopwatch, and Elphaba flung herself into several quick, harsh crunches. Fiyero winced at the form, but after about a dozen, she reset to the straight back they'd worked on.

"Time."

Galinda leaned over, "Did you count?" His head fell back. "Yeah, I forgot, too."

"I think she did fine, though."

The pushups were strong as well, until she faltered in the last twenty seconds, her wrist turned at a sharp angle. She pushed through, but she winced when she stood, her wrist in her other hand. He reached her side in a flash.

"Alright?"

"Yeah. My wrist," she stared at the offending joint. "I think I turned it funny."

He took her hand in his hands, bending her wrist and testing it for range. She grimaced, but at least it had full mobility. "Come on. I'll tape it."

He got Bidsk's attention, and nodded toward the boys' locker rooms. The man waved him off, and they headed toward his locker. Elphaba sat on the bench in the center as he entered his combination. "It's not what I expected in here."

"Oh?"

"I figured it would be like the girls'."

"And it isn't?"

"No, it's…little. More like the weight room, I guess."

He chuckled as he wrapped the tape in a spiral around her wrist. "Well, we don't need as much mirror space as the girls."

She scoffed, "I don't know about that. How else will Avaric fully appreciate his hair?"

"Done." He bent her wrist forward and back, convinced that it was secure enough. "How's that feel?"

She swiveled her wrist. "Better. Thanks."

He turned back to his locker to replace the supplies, and she stood up. She took a hesitant step toward him. "Yero?"

"Huh?"

When she didn't answer, he turned around, and she pressed a quick kiss to the corner of his lips. "Really."

He cupped her cheek and ran a thumb over her lips lightly. "Anytime."

For a frozen moment they stood there, eyes on the others lips in a mental kiss if not a physical one. But this wasn't the time. After waiting this long, he wanted better for them than a kiss in the boys' locker room while she worried over her final. "Come on. Let's get out there before you miss your final and undo all my hard work."

"Your hard work…"

He walked her over to the pull-up bar. As she joined the line, she rolled her shoulders and neck, sizing it up. She fought the intimidation with a lifted chin and an analytical eye.

On her turn, the spotter lifted her to grab the bar. She spaced her hands well, and he hoped the wrapping helped the strain on her wrist. In time with her breaths, she lowered herself down and back up. Though a little shaky, he couldn't help but be proud of her form.

Another dip, and another, and a fourth. She made it to six, a record for her, before time ran out. She let go, and he met her at the floor.

"Six," she groused, with a wrinkled nose.

"I saw." He squeezed her shoulder. "New record."

"But just over half what I needed."

He rolled his eyes at her. "Pessimist. How's your wrist?" She gave a dismissive wave. "Good. One part left."

"For our endurance run, we've always been content to run laps." Bidsk gave a hassled sigh. "But this year, in the interest of … "interest", first you'll run a mile on the track," he nodded behind him. "Then, that obstacle course," a nod to the left this time. "Out through Suicide Canal for you cross-country runners," a nod to the right. "Then back through the obstacles and a last mile round the track. Whole thing tags out at 4.86 miles. Got it?"

The girls looked between each other with worried, confused faces.

"Follow the yellow chalk route," one of the female coaches offered with a benevolent smile.

Nessa frowned. 'That seems very involved for a final."

"The new coach's plan," Boq nodded toward the beaming coach gesturing to the yellow line. "She's still young and excited to teach everything she learned at university, or so Milla's complained." Fiyero shot him a look, and the munchkin tugged at his collar. "To Galinda, of course. Not to me."

Tavon held back a laugh, "I'm sure Bidsk loves that. He's always been the height of progressive."

"They'll do most of the running out to the Canal."

"A third," Boq corrected Fiyero automatically, but no one paid attention.

"I don't think they usually have spectators," Tavon pointed out gently.

Elphaba took her place on the track, rolling her shoulders and neck. "Yay, Elphie!" Galinda shouted, and her roommate blushed even as she glared.

The coach blew a whistle, and though many girls shot out ahead of her, she kept to a pace that she could maintain. Sprinting never worked out for long runs until the end. Her first mile seemed to breeze by, and she headed toward the obstacle course.

"She's doing well so far, right?" Galinda asked, worrying her thumb. "I mean, she's in the middle. That's not bad."

He grunted an affirmation. A short wall, barely three feet, started the obstacles. She swung herself over without hassle, her lanky frame working in her advantage.

He expected the staggered tires to slow her, but she breezed through as if practiced. She seemed to sprint between obstacles as the others slowed, but they still wore away at her pace. Smooth and steady. That's what they'd worked on. How could a rope line not interrupt her pace?

She'd reached the last section of the obstacle course, an Over-Under-Through section of low walls and tubes that would be murder on her upper body. But she pushed through the last tunnel, propelling herself upright and down the chalk line.

He couldn't take it. Watching and helpless. Without thinking, Fiyero jogged out to meet her, matching her pace. "Reset your form."

Her head whipped around and then forward again. "What're you doing?"

"Out for a jog. Thought I'd get a little fresh air. You?"

She rolled her eyes. "You know, this 'coaching' is a little obsessive."

"Relax your shoulders. You're through the obstacles. Think pace and distance."

"Are you seriously going to jog with me? Isn't that…cheating or something?"

"How? Am I going to run for you?" She barked a laugh. "Besides, Suicide Canal is in bounds for any Shiz student, right?"

"Oz, you're incorrigible."

He noticed how little her breath faltered despite their conversation. "You're doing well with your pacing."

"I'm trying to save it for the end." He nodded. "But I might push it. I feel like those tunnels slowed me down."

"That's what they're for." The route led them up a slope at the edge of campus, and Fiyero pushed the pace. "Lean into the slope." His eyes swiveled from the hill ahead and her behind. "Let your arms help."

They reached the crest, and he cautioned, "Now don't lean back into the hill, lengthen your stride. Let gravity help." She fought it, trying to stay in control. "Let it go. I know it feels too fast, but you're not. You won't fall."

They were almost to the canal already, and none of the coach spotters had call foul on Fiyero's hasty decision to join her.

"It's pretty out here," Elphaba let out a puff of air. "I forget."

"We could do our run here tomorrow. Down by the water."

"No day off, Coach?"

He shook his head. "No rest for the wicked. Or their pupils."

"Oh, please. We both know I'm the wicked one. You're only sinful."

"Am I?" He flashed a cocky grin.

"You know what I mean."

"'Fraid I don't. Watch the leaves," he cautioned, and they slowed slightly to over the slippery surface to keep better traction. "Both sound fun."

"Right. Not Unionist." She lengthened her stride to catch up to him. "You're hedonistic, but not a monster."

His forehead crumpled in a frown. "And you think you-"

"It was a joke."

"Well it's not funny."

"Clearly, if I have to, explain it this much." They'd reached the low bridge over the canal, and the yellow chalk wound over the grey brick in a U-turn. "Finally. Half-way."

"Elphaba-"

"Don't." She dodged a branch. "I didn't mean anything by it."

"But-"

"Aren't you supposed to help me focus?"

"Fine. Keep up." He upped the pace to push the edge for her without tiring her prematurely. They ran through this half of the forest along the water's edge in companionable quiet. The water lapped lightly in time to the slap of their feet on the pressed dirt path.

"So peaceful here," he breathed after a long minute.

"Yeah."

"Almost sad to see Shiz over that hill."

"Says the one without a final."

She powered over the hill and down the slope, skidding over leaves like she had been born to run. He couldn't help but feel so proud of her. "Alright, careful on the obstacles. You're tired now. Don't fight then, work with it, like the hill."

"Right. The wall wants to help."

He nudged her arm and veered off as they reached the track. The others shared a collective look as he appeared. "What?"

"Nothing." Galinda swallowed a giggle.

"No, what?" Nessa lifted an eyebrow, their observation obvious. "Okay, fine. I couldn't take the waiting. I know, I know, I'm obsessive and impatient, and Elphaba already let me know how brainless and foolish I am, alright?"

"Of course she did." Nessa hid a smile.

"Just…focus on Elphaba."

She was working her way backwards through the course, though her fatigue was apparent. She did her best to follow his advice, hurling herself through the tunnels and swinging over or under walls. The tires slowed her this time, and the flung herself over the final wall.

She stumbled toward the track. Though he hadn't run half of what she had, he was acutely aware of how tired she must feel. She forced herself to keep pace with her legs, but her energy was flagging fast. "Form!" he shouted, and she unclenched her fists with a deep breath in.

The last lap now. She pushed herself forward. Legs pumping, she stretched her stride. The last bend. He forced deep even breaths as if he could breathe for her now. Almost there.

And with another few moments, she had crossed the line. She had finished.

She started the cool down without him this time, though she walked toward them instead of around the track. Face flushed and hair plastered against her forehead, she was so beautiful he couldn't fight a grin. He met her a few yards from the others in the grass. "You did it. You're finished."

She let her shoulders slump and grinned. "Thank Oz." Then she lowered her hands from her head. "And thank you, Yero." She bit her lip, and tentatively took his hand. "I honestly could not have done it without you."

"You could've."

"Not in thirty-eight minutes and twenty seconds."

He fought the overwhelming urge to spin her in a hug. "That's great."

"It is. It gets me a B."

His grin fell, and he waited for the disappointment to wash over her face. "B?"

"Yep. So relieved, you can't imagine." Then she laughed. "Well, I guess you could."

"Hey, be nice."

She squeezed his hand. "Seriously. I never thought I'd pass. I think my grades can survive a B."

"I think your grades could survive the Apocalypse."

As they reached the others, Fiyero started to let go of her hand, but Elphaba held tight. He glanced over in surprise, but her eyes were trained on the others, her mouth a thin line.

"You did it!" Galinda shrieked, leaping toward her roommate for a bouncy hug, until her eyes fell to their joined hands.

Elphaba's gaze flicked from her roommate to their hands and back tentatively, but she tugged him closer. "We did it. Really, more Fiyero did."

"Oh, whatever." He knocked against her shoulder. "Don't be humble."

"Me?" she cackled. "Humble?"

"So…" Galinda's gaze fell on their hands again. "Any other news?"

Elphaba bit her lip. "I don't think it's really news."

Galinda paused, considering, and then managed a tense, but honest smile. "Oh, Elphie!" She flung her arms around them. "I'm so happy for you both. Surprised. Very surprised, really. But, I guess happy for you."

"Are you?" Elphaba managed, worry creasing her face.

"Well, sure. I mean, I'm with Boqy now, and I want you both to be happy. I guess, you might as well be happy together. I mean, I'm not thrillified, but I guess I'm not mad."

The tension in Elphaba deflated, and she dropped his hand to return Galinda's hug, if a little awkwardly still. They stepped back just as Coach Bidsk walked by, inadvertently drawing all their eyes.

He looked them over, Elphaba's arms now crossed over her body. "Thirty-eight, huh?"

She nodded stiffly, and Fiyero set a warm hand on her shoulder. "Yep. Obstacles and all."

The coach let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, she can have her A." Shocked, Elphaba murmured her thanks, which the coach waved it off as he head back toward the gym, grumbling something about "Women."

Galinda managed to wait until the coach got around the corner before squealing, "Elphieeeeee!"

Shocked, she just grinned as he took her hand and pulled her into his side. "See? Told you I'd make you a jock."

"So," Tavon interrupted. "Where are we celebrating?"

Unsurprisingly, Elphaba vetoed most of ideas for how to celebrate, though he managed to convince her to at least let them all have dinner together. Tavon disappeared to meet his girlfriend, and Boq and Galinda left early for their own plans, agreeing to drop Nessa along the way. Which left Fiyero and Elphaba free to stroll languidly without any real destination in mind.

"Elphaba Thropp, the athlete. Who'd have imagined?"

She elbowed him lightly. "Yes. Next you'll be reciting the Pythagorean Theorem at parties."

He caught her hand and stroked a thumb over her fingers. "If it'll get me more time with you, in a heartbeat." She smiled, suddenly fascinated with the sidewalk. "So." He cleared his throat. "I guess everyone knows now."

"Knows?"

He tugged her closer and brushed a kiss over their knuckles.

She jutted her chin forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I don't know what you mean."

"Oh don't you?" He pulled her closer. "Perhaps I'll just have to show you."

The kiss was light. Prepared this time against the electricity of her lips, he managed to keep himself in control. "So what time should I meet you tomorrow?"

"For?"

"Our run." He swung their joined hands lightly.

"If I say same time, will I face a riot?" He made a face. "I need to get some work done, and I like to start early."

"Fine," he heaved in a heavy sigh he didn't mean. "But you're buying me breakfast."

"Don't I always?"

He feigned a shocked expression. "Never. Is it my fault that your food would rather go home with me?"

"Just remember you can't boss me around anymore." She stabbed a finger into his shoulder, and he laughed.

"Now you just sound ridiculous. Who would believe I boss around you?"

"Liar! You know you do. Faster. Slower. Stretch more."

"You mean, coaching?"

She snorted. "If that's what you're calling it."

He spun her to face him. "Trust me, if I were bossing you around, you'd be wearing far less clothing and seeing much more of my bedroom." She blushed, and he kicked himself. "Too soon?"

"To see your bedroom? I believe so," she answered drily, but her smirk softened the tone.

"Aw, come on. I'd have figured you've spent so much time there now, it's almost like home."

"There's no place like home."

"If you say so." He led them across the garden toward Crage Hall. "Speaking of home, break's coming up. Shall I tell my parents I'm bringing someone?"

She frowned. "I…don't know. I should probably ask my father. Or at least Nessa."

"Aw, come on," he pouted, tugging her into his side. "Don't you want to vacation in a desert?" She lifted an eyebrow. "With yours truly?" He waggled his eyebrows.

"I thought selling bad ideas was your strong suit."

He stepped in front of her and looped an arm around her waist. "Oh, I have to sell you, do I?" She bit her lip. "Well, it's a big castle. With lots of books, and gardens." He dipped his forehead to hers, his nose trailing over hers. "And privacy."

"I have books here."

His lips found the corner of hers. "But do you have my siblings who have untold amounts of embarrassing dirt on my childhood?"

"When do we leave?"

They reached her dorm, and he let her go reluctantly. As much as he wanted her, he had learned his lessons about pushing too fast. "See you tomorrow."

She stretched her arms around his neck with all the flexibility he'd taught her and grinned. "Is that really how you're going to tell me goodnight? Don't you know who I am? I'm a famous athlete now, or haven't you heard."

"Oh?"

"Yes, and as such, I am entitled to certain luxuries."

"Is that so?" She nodded solemnly, and he matched her feigned seriousness. "Such high expectations to live up to. I hope I won't disappoint."

"Don't worry." She patted his shoulder. "I know a good coach."

AN: A long chapter, I know, but finally the end. I'm not sure how I feel about it, after a couple years writing this. Please let me know what you think, and if you'd be interested in a sequel on their trip to the Vinkus. Thank you for reading, and for all of you who took the time to review, favorite, or subscribe.