Rifiuto: Non Miriena

Thanks to jnjluvsbooks32 for reviewing 6 and to lizziemagic for reviewing 4, 5 and 6.

August, Day Three

"Tired?"

Avaric looked up to see Fiyero and his friend standing across from him in the Wilted Rose. He nodded, hiding his yawn. His childhood friend chuckled before taking a seat across from him. Once he was seated, she settled into his lap.

"Elphaba!"

He couldn't help the laughter that escaped his throat at the sight of Fiyero with a woman in his lap. His friend had always been the gentleman, the stark contrast to him being the party animal; Fiyero preferred the quiet company of books to the company of the female sex. So that's what made this moment so funny- the look on his friend's face was priceless, if only he had a camera.

Meanwhile, she didn't say anything, just took his face in her hands and after staring into his eyes for a moment, kissed him deeply for several minutes. When they broke apart, she climbed out of his lap, whispering,

"I'm going to go get a cup of coffee. I'll be right back." He nodded, before she left, leaving the two men alone. Once she was gone, Fiyero turned back to Avaric.

"So, how are things going with you?"

"Good. And... things seem to be going real well between you and Elphaba." Avaric said, taking a sip of his drink. Fiyero sighed.

"Yeah. I think... I think Elphaba's the one. I really do." Fiyero replied, straightening as returned to the table, a cup in her hands. She curled into his lap, and took a sip of her drink, before holding it out to him. After a moment, he took it, taking a sip. Then, he handed it back to her and returned to the conversation.

"So have you had any more contact with that Galinda?"

Elphaba rolled her eyes. "That spoiled creampuff. She needs to go back to the Pertha Hills where she belongs." Fiyero chuckled softly at her muttered response, and gently patted her hip.

"She tried to tell me yesterday that everyone else was wrong, and that she was just a victim."

"Did you buy it?" Fiyero asked, gently taking Elphaba's cup from her hands and taking a sip. Avaric shook his head.

"Come on, Yero, how stupid do you think I am?" His friend raised an eyebrow.

"I know that when a beautiful woman is around, your IQ drops twenty points." Elphaba giggled softly, before taking a sip of her coffee.

"Is that what happened when you met me?" She asked, handing Fiyero the cup.

"Of course, but I know you belong to Yero, so don't worry, I won't do anything." Avaric replied, watching as Elphaba's eyes widened.

"I don't belong to anyone!" She cried, before blushing. "Okay, maybe Yero." She giggled again, and Avaric couldn't help the laugh that escaped him as he watched Elphaba. It was obvious that she was lovestruck, that much was certain.

And so, it seemed, was Fiyero.

From the look in their eyes, and it was evident that both had fallen in love, and fallen hard and fast. They were in the honeymoon phase of love; everything was new and exciting, their love was an adventure, and he hated to be there when the honeymoon ended and reality kicked in. Because then, he was certain, both Fiyero and Elphaba would be crushed. But even now, Avaric knew they were perfect for each other, and he hoped they would stay together long enough to make it to a wedding.

Eventually, Elphaba climbed off Fiyero's lap and pulled him to his feet.

"Sorry to cut this short, Avaric, but I've got dance and I can't be late." She turned to Fiyero. "Walk me to class?" He nodded, kissing her gently. When they broke apart, Fiyero turned to his old friend.

"Why don't you come with us, Av. Who knows, maybe you'll run into Galinda and be able to give her another piece of your mind." Elphaba rolled her eyes, and once he agreed, the three left the cafe, heading back to Shiz. Elphaba slipped her hand into Fiyero's as they walked, and listened quietly as the guys started a conversation, only adding her input when she wanted to. When they got back to Shiz, Elphaba led them to the dance studio, slipping inside and pulling the guys with her. Once inside, she turned to them.

"Well, I have to get ready, otherwise Madame Kestar will have my head." Then, she wrapped her arms around Fiyero's neck. "I'll see you after?"

"Of course." He kissed her gently, and then she pulled away, waving goodbye to Avaric before joining her friends. When the guys left, Avaric asked,

"Aren't you worried that this honeymoon will end?" Fiyero shook his head.

"No. Because it's not just a honeymoon phase. We're in love. And we'll always be in love."

"You've only known her, what? Two days?"

Fiyero shrugged. "So? I love her. We've gotten to know each other, and she's... she's the person I can imagine spending the rest of my life with, Av."

"Without a doubt, Yero? Because I don't want to see you get hurt-"

"I'm sure Av. I'm positive. Absolutely positive." Avaric sighed, letting his friend's words sink in.

"You're sure? Because, Yero, you're my best friend. If you get hurt-"

"I know you're my best friend, Av. We've been friends since we were kids. And yes, I'm positive. Elphaba won't hurt me. And I won't hurt her. We're both looking for love, and we've found it. And I know we've only known each other a couple days, but I feel like I've known her my entire life. I'll be fine. Now will you quit worrying?" He asked, clapping him on the back as he headed to class. Avaric watched, before shaking his head and heading to the cafeteria.