DISCLAIMER: in the first chapter...

A/N: Please let me know if any doubt is left after this chapter. Don't feel shy! Also, sorry about the delay.

LONG ROAD AHEAD

She was quiet and seemingly lost in thought. The sun shining through the carriage window illuminated her face, bringing out the beauty few people took the time to see behind the green hues of her skin. Elphaba looked sad.

Probably still reeling from how fast her father dispatched her.

"Elphaba?"

She sighed deeply, closing her eyes and turning her head his way. Lids slowly raised and unsure Brown orbs met questioning blue ones. Fiyero saw so much swimming there, just beneath the surface – things she wanted to say, words she couldn't quite find to express what needed to be expressed. Elphaba reached a hand to sweep a lock of the man's hair back, and then slowly caressed his head; Fiyero revealed in her touch.

"Fae?" He covered her hand with his, holding it in place. "Please, don't shut me out." Fiyero kissed the palm of her hand; eliciting a shy smile from the woman he so loved. "I know some of it, but..."

The smile faltered.

Elphaba tried pulling her hand away. Fiyero wouldn't have it, though. He allowed her hand to fall to his lap, but held it there, encased between his. Her gaze dropped to their joint skin.

"I..."

Deep breath.

"I told Galinda some it... But I couldn't – just couldn't tell her all of it."

"Why?" Elphaba squeezed his hand tightly, almost as if he was about to fade away.

"It would have only hurt her."

"Tell me, Fae."

And, easier than she would have thought possible, the words spilled from her lips, immensely relieved for finally being able to share her burden. No restrictions, no holding back. Fiyero heard it all attentively, never interrupting her, even through long periods of silence. It was a long trip and they had the time.

"I didn't have a vision, Yero. Not really. I lived through those years, experienced the ups and the many downs." She swallowed, drawing the strength her beloved Fiyero so readily offered. "I..."

All of it. Elphaba confided in him every single detail she could possibly remember. Morrible's tutoring, the Wizard's letter, the wonderful day – too short – spent with Galinda in the Emerald City and the terrible disappointing meeting the ruler of Oz had turned out to be. Then, she told him about her years on the run – in a way she had never been able to tell Fiyero before.

He had been taken away from her all too soon.

Oh, the meeting in the Palace so many years later, running away together. Elphaba chocked up when she reached the part of his capture and her desperate attempt to save him.

"... a, uhn, a Scarecrow." Only after she managed to make that Word pass her clenched throat and trembling lips, did the green woman raise her eyes to look at Fiyero. Not really sure what she been expecting, Elphaba couldn't really feel surprise at the look of total love and understanding her offered her.

It was so very Fiyero of him.

She smiled.

"I loved you still."

He smiled in return.

Finally, Elphaba recounted their successful escape plan, the pain of having to leave Galinda behind, the vision of Liir – frightening and joyous at the same time -, and her moment of uncontrolled nervousness.

"I think... I did it, the spell. That somehow – though unconsciously – I reversed time. I didn't mean to do it, but now that I'm here..." Her eyes silently begged understanding. "How could I not fight to change those horrible things?"

Fiyero brushed a raven lock behind her ear.

"I don't claim to have done it for others, Yero. I admit to my own selfishness; I just couldn't go through that again."

Though Elphaba yearned to explain her own actions, looking upon Fiyero's handsome face, she saw how unnecessary her own that really was. His understanding never faltered.

"How can you be so perfect?" Fiyero chuckled. "You cut through all my attempts to push you away, saw through my defenses and accepted all my words as truth... no questions." Long drawn-out blink. "What did I ever do to deserve your trust? You didn't even question me about Liir..."

Insecure laugh, eyes dropping again.

"We never even kissed – not really – and you already asked me to marry you..."

At that moment, Fiyero broke his self-imposed silence.

"I saw the drawing and Fae..." a hand, gentle and her chin tilted up, forcing her gaze to meet his. "Call me brainless, or corny, or crazy. But... I love you."

Her eyes misted over, a small sob escaping her lips.

Fiyero leaned closer, stopping only when a mere inch separated their faces.

"Elphaba-Fabala-Fae... can I kiss you?"

The green witch didn't bother to reply. She leaned forward and captured her Prince's inviting lips for a much awaited Kiss. Who cared about corny when she found home in his arms? Fiyero readily responded and the pair soon lost themselves in a passionate embrace.

Time passed unnoticed and they only parted when air became necessary. Elphaba and Fiyero, though, didn't allow too much space to come between them. Sitting on his lap, with arms around her waist, Elphaba sighed contently before resting her forehead on Fiyero's.

"Yero?"

"Yes, my love?"

"I changed some things. The Wizard doesn't know I can read the Grimmerie and he even withdrew the Animal restrictions! Though, I hardily know why..." Sigh. "But, Fiyero, not enough has changed and..."

He silenced her with a soft kiss.

"Stop with all these 'what ifs', Fae. You did the best you could. The rest is out of your hands." Elphaba opened her mouth to protest, and then quickly closed it, when he shook his head.

With great determination, she pulled all her immediate worries aside. And, sighed again.

After all, being in his arms again, she too wished for it all to work out.