Chapter 14

Julyan sidled over to Fiyero as he was filling up a plate with food from the smorgasbord of snacks Kastle and Anton had provided for them.

"Do you want the tea?"

"I don't drink tea," Fiyero replied absent-mindedly, mulling over a selection of cheeses.

Julyan huffed. "Oz, why are we friends? No, I mean the tea. The goss?"

"What goss?"

"Everyone's thoughts on you and Elphaba!"

That caught Fiyero's full attention. "What, have you been doing a survey or something?" he demanded.

"Don't be ridiculous. We have a group chat on Linx."

Fiyero blinked. "Why do you have a group chat with my cousins and sister that I am not in?"

"To talk about you, duh."

Fiyero's concern must have been evident on his face, because Julyan patted his arm comfortingly. "Don't worry, we've only had it since they heard you were bringing Elphaba home. And we'll probably get rid of it when you guys leave, because honestly- you're not that interesting."

"Thanks," Fiyero said sarcastically, and then sighed. "Is this a thing where I actually get a choice, or are you going to tell me no matter what?"

"Oh, I was definishly only asking to be polite," Julyan grinned.

That figured.

"So, the general consensus is that everyone likes Elphaba- as much as they know of her from Lurlinemas Eve, anyway. Minali and Jip think you seem happier than you have been in ages, and everyone thinks her chocolate chip cookies are awesome."

"They are," Fiyero agreed, grabbing a few of said cookies from the platter on the table and adding them to his plate.

"Tri is already assuming Elphaba will be coming with you for the twins' first birthday in the fall," Julyan warned him. "So, when you guys 'break up', have fun with that conversation."

Fiyero sighed.

"Kastle is a tad wary, considering she and Sarima were such good friends, and that ended badly-"

"Sure, it ended badly for her," Fiyero muttered, eyeing some kind of fruit thing and then dismissing it.

"-But she thinks you and Elphaba are a good match."

Fiyero turned to Julyan. "Do you have a point?"

"We like Elphaba, and no one thinks it's fake," Julyan summarised promptly.

Fiyero immediately looked around, but no one was in earshot.

"Great, thanks Jules," he said, and left the food table.

He ducked out to the sunroom, which was empty save for Elphaba. Fiyero couldn't blame her for taking a moment away from everyone really- they'd left his parents' house at six o'clock to meet everyone for dinner and drinks at The Bank, before heading to Kastle and Anton's close to nine o'clock. Then there'd been games, and there was still forty-five minutes until midnight. Fiyero wasn't an introvert by any means, but even he was at his limit for people.

"We can leave if you want," he offered, taking a seat beside her. "Kas and Anton won't mind."

"I'm okay," Elphaba replied. "I just need a few minutes away from… people. You know?"

Fiyero paused. "Including me?"

She smiled faintly. "You're fine."

Fiyero eased back into his seat, and extended the plate out to her. "Food?"

Elphaba grimaced faintly, but nevertheless picked a bit of cheese and some crackers off the plate.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, both picking at the plate of food.

"So… 'Learn something new'? Kind of a lame-ass resolution, Miss Thropp."

"Oh, shut up," she retorted. "Yours wasn't any better. 'Eat at every restaurant in the Emerald City'? Isn't the point of a resolution to improve your life in some way? How does that help?"

Fiyero considered that for a beat. "I can give more thoughtful recommendations to tourists when they ask me?"

Elphaba rolled her eyes.

"Hey, that happens more than you'd think!" Fiyero defended himself. "You know that."

"Yes," Elphaba acknowledged, who had heard the rants many times about why people just couldn't look these things up on inQAit- "inQ it" as the verb had evolved.

When she said nothing else, he prodded her gently. "What new skill are you going to learn?"

Elphaba stared out the window at the back garden, not that there was much to see in the dark. "Maybe letting go of the past… that sounds like something I could use. But that seemed a little too dark for a resolution when the majority of them fail within a month."

"Letting go of the past," Fiyero repeated slowly. "What does that look like?"

Elphaba ate another cracker before answering. "I don't know. Maybe just being able to go back to Munchkinland without being surrounded by ghosts- it doesn't seem fair to make Galinda and Boq come to the city every time we want to see one another, especially if they have children one day. Or maybe it means accepting that I'll never see Nessarose again… stop trying. Stop reaching out."

She made a motion as though to run a hand through her hair, but it was piled high up on her head. Instead, she ended up just pressing her palm against her forehead.

"I don't want to. But I can't see Nessa changing her mind, and I can't rewrite the past. So, I have to find a way to let it go and move on… don't I?"

Fiyero cleared his throat. "Sounds like it could be healthy," he said carefully.

This was hardly his area of expertise, and well… maybe Fiyero could learn a thing or two himself about letting go of the past.

"Do you want a drink?" he asked her. "Wine, coffee, water?"

"I feel I'm going to regret this in about an hour, but I'll take a coffee."

Fiyero grinned. "I'll see if Kas has decaf."

Kastle did indeed have decaf, so Fiyero set about trying to figure out how to work the coffee machine.

"Why do they need a coffee machine with a thousand buttons?" he muttered to himself, fiddling with it. "You shouldn't need a manual to make coffee."

"It's from Fliaan," Kastle volunteered from behind him. "It's not that fancy. Here- move."

Fiyero obeyed without question.

"So, who gave the review?"

"What review?"

"The parental review of Elphaba," Kastle clarified. "Mom or Dad?"

"Neither," Fiyero said blankly. "Is that a thing?"

"Didn't they do that when you and Sarima were dating?"

Fiyero's brow furrowed as he thought back. "I guess there was some kind of 'she seems like a lovely girl' kind of comment after they'd met her a few times. But there wasn't like, an evaluation or anything."

"You know, that is such double standards," Kastle complained. "I'm still fairly sure they've run background checks on every guy I've ever dated."

Fiyero wasn't the smartest bulb in the bunch, but he was wise enough to say nothing except that, yes- it was double standards and was totally unfair.

"Jules already gave me 'the tea' or whatever, about what all you guys think of her," Fiyero said.

Kastle snorted. "Sure."

She turned to him, ignoring the coffee maker. "Yero-"

Fiyero groaned. "I don't need to hear it, okay? This isn't one of those sappy movies that you like."

"I don't know about that," Kastle replied. "If Sarima popped up right now, it could be a scene out of Ex-pected for Lurlinemas."

Fiyero made a face and she waved a hand. "It's great, I swear."

"Doubtful."

Kastle ignored that, pulling mugs from a cupboard. "Have you ever heard from her?"

"Sarima? No," Fiyero replied reluctantly. Then his eyes narrowed. "Do you?"

"No," Kastle shook her head.

"Then why mention her?"

"I was just curious," Kastle shrugged.

Elphaba was still in the sunroom when Fiyero returned, coffee in hand.

"Decaf."

"Thanks," Elphaba replied, accepting the mug with one hand and putting her phone aside with the other.

"Galinda," she explained, not that Fiyero had asked.

"Ah. Is she doing a big thing tonight?"

"Galinda will take any excuse to throw a party," Elphaba chuckled. "And New Year's events are meticulously planned down to the minute so everything is just right at midnight."

Fiyero checked his phone to see the time. Still too long to go.

"Why does the last hour always drag by?"

"Like a watched pot kind of thing?" Elphaba suggested.

Fiyero considered that, and figured she had a point.

At ten minutes to midnight, they reluctantly rejoined the party gathered in the living room, standing around the television to watch the celebrations live in the midst of the Emerald City. Looking at the crowds gathered, Fiyero was very glad that he wasn't working that night. He was pretty sure Micah was, and made a mental note to text him tomorrow- there was always a few crazy stories that came from working New Year's Eve.

Jip and Fintan were in the midst of rather dreamily thinking about how this time next year, they'd be parents; and being heartily mocked by those present with children about the picture they were painting.

"You will either definishly see midnight- because you'll be up with a crying baby, or you'll be trying to sleep and cursing everyone in the neighbourhood who is having parties or setting off fireworks in case they wake the baby," Minali said solemnly.

"Hey, I definishly slept through midnight the first year Noak was born," Anton chimed in.

"Yes, because I was awake," Kastle reminded him.

Julyan grinned slyly across the room at Elphaba and Fiyero. "You know, it's a shame there's no mistletoe in here."

"You don't need mistletoe," Tri said. "Midnight is the only excuse you need on New Year's."

Fiyero fought very hard to not glare at Julyan, while also trying to telepathically let Julyan know how much he loathed him right now. Julyan's broad grin suggested that he'd gotten the memo. Seeley, sitting beside Julyan, nudged him warningly. He glanced over at Elphaba, but she didn't seem as flustered by the idea as she had on Lurlinemas Eve. Fiyero hadn't really thought about it, if he were honest. He'd worked the last two years on New Year's Eve, and somehow he'd forgotten about how these things were "supposed" to go. But this was the last thing he needed to remember with… eight minutes until midnight.

But there was a little voice in Fiyero's head that suggested maybe this was his opportunity to see if there was something to that moment they'd shared while hiking. As the clocked ticked closer towards midnight, he stepped a little closer towards Elphaba. He swore that his heartbeat was synchronised with the tick of the clock, and his palms felt sweaty. Fiyero was reminded vividly of being fifteen in high school, trying to get up the nerve to ask the girl he liked to the school dance.

"One minute!" Kastle sang out excitedly.

Fiyero's heart thudded, swelling in his chest. He'd only had one beer since dinner, but he felt vaguely drunk with anticipation as he reached for Elphaba's hand, sweaty palms be dammed. She linked her fingers with his, and her eyes flickered to his with a soft smile. Fiyero wondered if this was a good sign or not.

He squeezed her hand lightly to get her attention and turned to her; the room narrowing down to just him and Elphaba, like a filter that made everything around the edges fuzzy. He started to lean in, watching her face for any micro-expressions that would indicate whether or not this was a good idea.

"Actually-"

If this had been one of those movies Julyan and Kastle kept referencing, Fiyero was pretty sure there would have been a sound of a record scratch for the audience as the room came back into sharp focus at the sound of Seeley's voice and he jerked slightly. It felt like coming up from being underwater, Fiyero blinking slowly, almost dazedly. His brain sluggishly trying to comprehend the sight of Seeley sinking down onto one knee before Julyan.

Elphaba's hand tightened around Fiyero's with a small intake of breath, and he looked over at her instinctively. Her eyes, like everyone else's, were on Julyan and Seeley and a soft smile graced her face. Seeley had always been a fairly serious guy, a perfect counterbalance to Julyan's exuberance, but in this moment they appeared to have switched roles. Seeley was beaming as he stared up at Julyan, who was rather speechless (for what Fiyero was sure was the first time ever). The thought made it impossible for Fiyero not to grin widely.

"My New Year's resolution was 'to build a life of love and happiness' and you are at the centre of that," Seeley said. "You make me happier than I've ever been and I love you like I never knew was possible, and I can't think of a better way to start this new year by making it official. Julyan- will you make my year- old and new- and do me the honour of becoming my husband?"

"Oh my Oz, yes!" Julyan burst out, beaming as wide as Seeley.

Fiyero's smile softened. Tri and Kastle both squealed quietly, and the others were quick to applaud enthusiastically as Julyan practically launched himself onto Seeley. And then the clock struck midnight, and it was chaos between cheers from neighbouring houses, the whistle of fireworks, cheers and music erupting from the television and everyone hugging one another whilst Julyan thrust his now jewel encrusted left hand beneath everyone's noses.

When he reached Elphaba, he grasped her arms tightly.

"Would Galinda be my wedding planner?" he demanded, before she could even congratulate him.

Elphaba blinked, taken aback. "I don't know," she said honestly. "But I suppose it doesn't hurt to ask?"

Julyan clasped his hands. "Amazing. Could you-?"

"I will pass on your details to her," Elphaba promised with a smile. "Congratulotions."

He beamed, hugged her and then turned to Fiyero.

"Congrats, Jules," he said, pulling him in for a hug. "This is fantastic news."

"Isn't it?" Julyan gushed. "This is going to be the best year!"

He pointed at Fiyero sternly. "You're my best man, so you're going to need to keep next April free, got it?"

"April? You're going to plan a wedding in four months?"

Julyan shook his head. "No, don't be ridiculous. Next April."

That sounded more like Julyan.

"I'll be there," Fiyero promised. "But I'm going to need more specifics than 'April' because they're not going to give me a whole month off work."

"Fair," Julyan acknowledged, and then pointed to Elphaba just as sternly. "You'd better be there too, no matter what happens with that one," he warned her, gesturing towards Fiyero.

Fiyero glanced at Elphaba to see her cheeks darken slightly. "I'll try," she replied, her eyes flickering to Fiyero's for just a moment, before she crossed her arms over her stomach rather self-consciously.

Julyan grinned at them. "You'll get your own invitation, but if Yero can't get a plus-one, it could be very Be My Date vibes."

Fiyero had no idea what Be My Date was about, but he had a feeling that it wasn't a movie he'd want to watch.

"Ooh, I love that movie!" exclaimed Minali, appearing from nowhere. "That scene when Bidge catches the bouquet and then Drake makes that toast about the beauty of marriage? Oh my Oz. I cannot deal."

Julyan nodded eagerly. "Yes! Like, that's how you know he's fallen in love with Bidge, after everything he said about marriage being just a piece of paper earlier? It's so romantic. I'm honestly tempted to make that speech my wedding vows."

"Because you think I won't recognise it after watching that movie with you a dozen times?" Seeley asked dryly as he joined them.

"You will so overcome by how amazing I look and how lucky you are to be my husband, that you're not going to hear anything I say," Julyan promised him with a lovesick grin.

The face Seeley gave him in return was just as lovesick. Fiyero groaned, ignoring the twinge of what almost seemed like envy that flared in his chest.

"On that note, can we leave now?" he asked. "It's past my bedtime."

"Okay, but you and Elphaba have to come for dinner tomorrow night to festivate!" Julyan begged. "You guys leave soon, right?"

"Monday, the third," Elphaba confirmed.

"Alright, so dinner tomorrow night? Seeley will cook."

"Oh will I?"

"Babe, it's literally your job," Julyan retorted. "Why do you think I started dating you?"

"Wow, you're engaged for five seconds and the truth comes out," Fiyero said teasingly.

Seeley snorted. "Please, he's never made a secret of that. When he first asked me out, he said 'We should go out, you can come over and cook for me'."

"I heard that story, but I thought it was innuendo," Minali laughed.

"Oh I made no secret about that either," Julyan grinned with a giggle and Seeley's face flushed as the others laughed.

It was almost two o'clock in the morning by the time Elphaba and Fiyero finally made their escape, and it wasn't without confirming dinner with Julyan and Seeley for what was now technically that night, and lunch with Kastle, Anton and Noak on Sunday. Not knowing when he'd be home next, Fiyero had to bid farewell to all his cousins, and as soon as he shut the car door behind him, he sagged into the seat.

"New Year's Eve used to be my favourite night of the year. When did I get so old?" he demanded.

Elphaba snorted, buckling her seatbelt. "You're asking the wrong person. I've never been a New Year's Eve person. Do you want me to drive?"

Fiyero shook his head, putting the key into the ignition. "I'm good."

The drive back to the house was quiet. There wasn't much traffic on the roads, which meant Fiyero's mind was left to wander. And it wandered no further than how close he had come to kissing her. He'd definishly started to lean in. And she… she hadn't moved back, had she? But she'd been aware of what he was doing?

"Other than dinner with Julyan and Seeley, we have no plans tomorrow- er, today, do we?" Elphaba asked in a hushed voice as they entered the foyer.

"Sleeping," Fiyero replied.

Elphaba didn't protest that idea.

As soon as they entered the bedroom, Elphaba moved to gather her things for bed while Fiyero just stood there, watching her almost dazedly.

"What?" Elphaba asked when she finally noticed.

For a wild moment, Fiyero was seized with the urge to do it now. Cross over to her and kiss her deeply. But instead, he smiled faintly and shook his head slightly.

"Just need some sleep."

Elphaba nodded in acceptance of that, and disappeared into the bathroom. Fiyero quickly changed into his pjs and climbed into bed, deciding that skipping brushing his teeth for one night wouldn't kill him. When Elphaba returned to the room, he was feigning sleep.