Chapter 2 - Flowers For You

It had been a week to that day of their first meeting before Fiyero saw Elphaba again. Finishing up a new section in his garden, he caught a glimpse of her through the white iron gates as she walked passed. He nearly stumbled on a rose bush upon seeing her, and dusted himself off. Hurriedly, he made his way to the entrance of the walkway.

"You're here," the prince said.

"I won't bother you. I'm just passing by," Elphaba said.

"Wait! Not even a hello?" He found her seductively stunning. Thoughts of her since that first day were never free from his mind. Somehow she unknowingly snuck into his world.

"What? What do you want from me?" She wondered why would someone like him even bother speaking to someone like her. Maybe he wasn't so self absorbed as she's heard. He might not know much about ruling a kingdom, but he's done a beautiful job of landscaping his rose garden.

"I think we got off to a bad start," he said.

"You think?"

"I'm Fiyero. Not Your Royal Highness, just Fiyero."

"Okay, Just Fiyero. And you already know my name."

A least she's talking, he told himself. "Haven't seen you all week. Unless I have royal duties, you know, family stuffs, I'm here this time most every day." He looked up to the sky. "Or night."

"I work late on Fridays until 7:00 o'clock. Other days I'm done by 5:00. Why am I telling you this? If you'll excuse me, I'm on my way home."

"Where?"

"Why would you want to know that? Why am I wasting my time talking to you?"

His blue eyes sparkled, and he smiled with his eyes not his mouth. "I'm just making conversation, Elphaba."

Her heart skipped a beat as he said her name. "Oh. I live two blocks away, around the corner."

"We're practically neighbors. I live across further up the street. Well, way further up. In the secluded area. You know, the one with the castle guards in front. You can't miss it. It's the biggest house on the block."

Elphaba smiled. "You're such an idiot."

"Got you smiling," he said. "I planted a new bunch of seeds in my rose garden. I was just going to water them." The proud prince fanned his hand into the direction of his garden.

"I can see that." Noticing the dirt smudge on his face, Elphaba had the urge to wipe it away. Instead she pointed to his left cheek.

Fiyero removed his gardening gloves and wiped his face with the back of his hand. "Better?"

"You missed a spot," she said.

He leaned his face down to her. "Where?"

"Oh, I..." With her fingertips she caressed his cheek lightly until there were no more traces of dirt on his face.

Fiyero found her intriguing, and smiled. "Looks good?"

Elphaba nodded. "Yes, good." More than good she told herself.

"Thank you. I'll drive you home if you'll come see my garden. About last week, pardon my rudeness. It's getting darker. You shouldn't be out here all alone."

"I'll be fine," she said. "I really must go."

"Is there someone waiting for you at home?"

"How could someone be waiting for me? I'm green as you can see. No, I live alone."

Fiyero rubbed his chin, as if to study her. "I don't see color. I only see you. Then you have time." He reached out for her hand.

Elphaba took two steps back. Fiyero took two steps forward, holding out his hand. "Come on. I won't bite. Don't be scared."

"I'm not scared." Having never been a trusting person, she cautiously placed her hand in his.

He looked down at their joined hands. They fit perfectly together. As they reached his flower garden, there sat on an ivory stone bench was a beautiful bouquet of red roses wrapped in tissue. Releasing her hand, he reached for the flowers. "This is for you."

Elphaba looked at the roses as she cradled them in her arms. "For me?"

"Well, I don't see anyone else around here. Flowers are meant for women to enjoy their beauty. I had a feeling you'd be here tonight. Friday night like last week."

"I've never received flowers from anyone before."

"Never?"

"They're so beautiful. But why for me?"

"Just say thank you, Elphaba. I can tell by the look on your face that you love them."

Elphaba curtsied. "Thank you most kindly, Fiyero."

He bowed. "You are most kindly welcome."

TBC - Chapter 3