Thank you for the reviews! There's a few weeks time gap between this chapter and the previous, just to let you know.
Note to desirae () – that is actually what I had intended for the fic! I have read hardly any fics where this actually happens, and as this is one of my own morals I wanted this to happen in mine. Thank you for mentioning it though, I love hearing people's suggestions and requests.
Enjoy the chapter everybody, and please review!
Chapter Eight: Spring Recess
It was now nearly a month since the beginning of Fiyero and Elphaba's relationship. They went out on dates every Friday night, went out on some Saturday evenings with their friends and spent most of their free time together.
It was the week before Spring Recess, and Fiyero was looking for Elphaba. He needed to ask her something urgently, before he finished his letter to his mother. He smiled to himself, remembering his mother's comment at the end of her last letter:
"And now, my dear son, for a request. You have told us much of your girlfriend Elphaba, and your father and I were wondering if she would like to come and stay with us over Spring Recess. From what you have told us, she does not have a very happy home life, and would not feel missed if she was not at her home. Do ask her, and send her answer in your next letter. We hope to welcome her here soon. Your loving Mother."
He knew that he would like nothing better that for Elphaba to meet his family, but he also knew how shy she was, and that she would need to consider the offer carefully.
He was just crossing the courtyard, deep in thought, when the object of his affection ran up to him and hugged him, before kissing him on the cheek.
He kissed her in return and took her arm as they set off across the courtyard.
"Fae, I've got something to ask you."
She looked up at him, and nodded.
"What is it, Yero?"
"I had a letter from my mother this morning."
She smiled, knowing of Fiyero's love for his mother and father, and for his little sister, whom he spoke of frequently.
"She's invited you to come and stay with us for Spring Recess. I told her that you were planning to remain here, and she says that she and my father would love to meet you, and that she would much prefer you to feel at home with us than to stay at school."
He broke off, seeing her face. He had expected her to argue, or feel worried about meeting his family, but she was gazing at him, starry-eyed.
"Really, Yero? They want to meet me?"
He hugged her.
"Of course they do, darling. They know how much I love you, and they want to be able to love you too."
She was smiling delightedly up at him.
"Is that a yes, then Fae?"
She nodded at once, and flung her arms around his neck.
"I love you Yero!"
"I love you too, Fae. Now let me go and finish this letter to mother, so that she can be ready to welcome you!"
With these words, he kissed her and left in a hurry, so that his letter could go by the evening post.
Two weeks later, a very excited Elphaba boarded the train on Fiyero's arm, on the way to meet his family. She had explained to Nanny and Nessa that she was spending the recess with Fiyero, and although Nanny had muttered about it to herself she had agreed, after writing to Frex to confirm this. She had received a reply saying that "the girl can do as she wants, as long as she doesn't expect me to entertain any of her guests". Elphaba had been delighted, and had rushed off to tell Glinda.
Now, as a result of much packing by Glinda, and unpacking and repacking by Elphaba, they were on their way. Fiyero had told her a lot about his family, and she felt prepared to meet her boyfriend's parents for the first time.
On the train journey, they discussed anything and everything. Elphaba finally found the confidence to tell Fiyero about her childhood, a subject which she had mostly avoided up to this point. He had sat with his arms around her, just letting her talk, which he could somehow sense she needed. After a few hours, the train drew to a halt.
"Kiamo Ko, everybody. All disembark here for Kiamo Ko!"
Fiyero gently nudged Elphaba, who had dozed off on his shoulder.
"Fae, wake up. We're here."
She moaned softly, and snuggled into the crook of his arm.
"What is it, Yero? I'm tired…"
He chuckled softly and lifted her in his arms, deciding that this would be the quickest way to get her off the train.
She curled up with her head against his chest, and he lifted her down onto the platform before setting her back on her feet. He hugged her gently, before turning abruptly at the sound of his name.
"Fiyero!!!"
An extremely pretty little girl was running down the platform as fast as her short legs could carry her. He stepped towards her and then bent down to meet her, laughing as she flung herself into his arms.
"Clyara, how are you, pet?"
She hugged him tightly, before answering.
"I'm fine, I was top of my class last week!"
"That's brilliant Cly, now I have someone for you to meet."
He gestured at Elphaba, now standing on her own in the middle of the platform, waiting patiently to be introduced.
"Is that your girlfriend Fiyero?" Clyara whispered.
Fiyero answered in the affirmative, and then watched quietly, a smile on his face, as his little sister walked shyly over to Elphaba and held out the sticky bunch of flowers she had been grasping.
"Hello Miss Fiyero's girlfriend. I got you some flowers."
Elphaba bent down to look at the little girl, and took the flowers, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. This little girl who didn't even know her was giving her a present, and her own father barely knew her.
"Thank you very much. Are you Clyara?"
The little girl nodded.
"What's your name?"
"I'm Elphaba, Fiyero has told me a lot about you. Your big brother loves you very much."
Clyara nodded in obvious satisfaction, before taking the older girl's hand in hers and pulling back towards Fiyero.
When they reached him Clyara held out her arms to be picked up, and he obliged. She put her arms around his neck, and announced to him "I like your girlfriend, Fiyero."
He grinned at Elphaba, before turning to his little sister.
"That's good, isn't it Cly. I do too."
He then lowered his little sister to the ground as they approached a carriage, and took Elphaba's hand.
"Come on Fae, let's go and meet my parents."
She smiled at him, grateful for the reassurance.
They climbed into the carriage, and Fiyero was greeted by the driver.
"Welcome back Your Highness. Your parents entrusted your sister to my care for the trip here, she begged to be allowed to come and meet you."
Fiyero thanked him, and settled down in the luxurious royal carriage with Elphaba next to him, and then looked at Clyara. She looked from him to Elphaba, and then climbed decisively into Elphaba's lap, putting her arms around the older girl's neck.
Fiyero smiled at Elphaba as she hugged the younger girl closer to her, whilst the carriage began to move forwards. How he hoped that she would be able to fit in here, as she couldn't at Colwen Grounds.
When they reached the palace, Fiyero climbed out, lifted Clyara down and then gave his hand to Elphaba.
"Now, Clyara, you run back up to the nursery with Trigan, and I must take Elphaba to meet Mother and Father."
The little girl nodded, then hugged both him and Elphaba before dancing off down the corridor.
Fiyero put his arm around Elphaba's shoulders, and they began to walk down a lavishly carpeted and furnished corridor. Fiyero was greeted by many servants, and as they walked Elphaba spoke suddenly.
"I like your sister, Yero."
He nodded at once.
"Clyara is very genuine, and openly loving. She will accept anyone, she is that sort of person. I love her very much."
Elphaba squeezed his hand. She knew how much he missed all his family, but particularly his little sister, during term time.
As they headed up to a double door with a liveried footman outside, Fiyero drew her behind a pillar.
"Fae, we're about to meet my parents, darling. They will love you, and you will love them soon, I'm sure. My mother will do everything in her power to make you feel at home, and so will my father to a certain extent. He is very busy, but he always makes an effort to make people comfortable."
He then drew her towards him, and kissed her passionately. She leant into the kiss, pulling him closer to her, until at last they separated.
"Don't worry my love. It'll be fine, you'll see."
He put his arm protectively around her shoulders, and then led her towards the door, where the footman was still standing.
"Good evening, Draven. Miss Elphaba and I would like an audience with my parents."
"Good evening, Your Highness Prince Fiyero. Is there any title I should announce Miss Elphaba by?"
Elphaba sighed, but motioned to Fiyero to just tell the footman who she was.
"Draven, this is Elphaba Thropp, Thropp Third Descending of Munchkinland and Heir Apparent to the governorship."
The footman was obviously startled, and bowed deeply.
"I beg your pardon, Miss, I did not realise."
Elphaba flushed.
"Do not worry, Draven, while I am here I am just Elphaba."
The footman nodded, and then turned and opened the door. Bowing low to whoever was inside, he announced:
"His Royal Highness Prince Fiyero, and Miss Elphaba Thropp, Thropp Third Descending of Munchkinland and Heir Apparent, Your Majesties."
A laugh came from inside the room, and a kind-sounding female voice dismissed the footman.
Fiyero hugged Elphaba's shoulders, and then led her into the room.
"Good evening Father, good evening Mother. May I present my girlfriend Elphaba Thropp. Fae, sweetheart, this is my father Ulbard, and my mother Sulid."
Elphaba curtsied to Fiyero's parents, and then stood rather helplessly as the footman shut the door, leaving her with just her boyfriend and his family.
AN: So, two chapters in two days! Are you impressed? I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review!