Fiyero awoke with a start. He rubbed his forehead and tried to remember the nightmare he had been having. Unsuccessful, he got up for a drink of water and nearly tripped over something furry on the floor. The something yowled and took a swipe at his foot.
"Sorry, Malky," he whispered and got his water.
He climbed back into the bed as carefully as possible so as not to wake up Elphaba, but even though he slipped under the covers as gently as he knew how, she gave a little moan and rolled over to face him. He held his breath for a moment, but it had been a false alarm. She was just as asleep as ever. He took a moment to admire her. The moonlight coming through the skylight gave her side an almost bluish glow and cast the rest of her into shadow. Her face was easy to make out and her hair framed it beautifully. No matter how she slept on it, it was always smooth and gorgeous. He wound a lock around his finger and stroked her cheek. It occurred to him that the only time he could be gently romantic with her was when she was asleep. Awake she did not much hold to mushiness and presents.
He noticed a thin shiver race down her body, and he pulled the blankets closer around her and drew her to him. Despite their best efforts, the apartment was always cold in the winter. With her in his arms, he found that it was easy for him to fall asleep, and he drifted into slumber with the parting murmur, "I love you, Fae."
A moment later, Elphaba opened her eyes and smiled at his sleeping, chocolate-brown form.
"I love you too, Yero."