Hey guys, sorry this took so long! I'm having a bit of a block right now, and it's taking me a while to write the chapter that comes after this one. I'm about halfway done with it, and had planned to finish it before I posted this one, but I couldn't do it so I just decided to put this one up.

Well anyway, I wrote this one about three weeks ago when I was in Long Beach Island, a rather crappy vacation to say the least. It's really not my best chapter, and it's a bit cheesy, but hopefully not horrible. Anyways, I'll stop talking now and let you read.

Fiyero woke the next morning to find a smile still in place on his face. Yawning, he propped himself up on his elbows and stared, transfixed, at the large boulder that was blocking his exit as usual. He knew that just beyond that boulder was the woman with whom his relationship had changed quite abruptly last night. He didn't know what it was about her, but just being in her presence was enough to make him grin like an idiot. It was strange and inconceivable, but it appeared as though he was falling for Elphaba, and falling hard.

Pulling himself to his feet, he stretched and yawned before glancing around his small cavern with no interest whatsoever. He wondered briefly what time it was and how long he'd have to wait before Elphaba would let him out. He shook his head as he realized how strange it was that this thought came naturally. He and Elphaba certainly had a more interesting relationship so far than any of the other couples in Oz.

After a few moments of standing, Fiyero grew bored and fell into a sitting position once more, his chin in his hands. This waiting was killing him; his body was not made to be in one place for long periods of time unless unconscious. For a few moments he wondered if he should simply fall asleep for a while longer, but soon decided against it. He wasn't sure if it was nerves, restlessness or excitement, but he was far too jittery right now to even think about closing his eyes. He groaned. This was torture far worse than any math class he'd ever slept through.

Lucky for Fiyero, he didn't have to wait very long. About fifteen minutes later the boulder was finally rolled back, causing Fiyero to start as Elphaba entered. He leapt to his feet, and she looked at him unsurely for a moment. He knew she was probably still having emotional conflicts over what had happened the night before.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Fiyero took the initiative to begin a conversation. "Well good morning Miss Elphaba," he said with exaggerated politeness, throwing in a little bow and then shooting her one of most charming grins. Things like this usually had the ladies falling at his feet.

Elphab didn't exactly swoon, but she did offer him a small smile, which gave Fiyero a strange tingling feeling in the pit of his stomach that was quite unfamiliar. Instead of putting his food in the corner this morning, she handed the bowl of fruit to him and said, "Be ready in five minutes."

With that she stepped out of his cavern and crossed the room to retrieve her cloak while Fiyero made short work of his breakfast. Briefly he wondered where she even got this fruit from, but assumed there must be an orchard of some sort nearby. Perhaps she went out to pick it at night before she went to sleep? Fiyero decided it wasn't worth puzzling over as he finished his last piece of apple and joined Elphaba on the other side of the cave.

She glanced up at him as she tied the black cloak around her neck, and Fiyero felt his heart flutter once more. How had he not noticed this feeling around Elphaba before? It seemed far too strong to ignore. Fiyero wasn't exactly sure what it was yet, but he was pretty certain that he liked it.

Despite their change in relationship, Elphaba wasn't taking any chances. She quickly cast the same spell she'd used yesterday on Fiyero before the two proceeded out of the cave in silence. Elphaba seemed to be trying not to look in his direction, but Fiyero kept glancing over at her and trying to catch her eye. He wondered if he should try to take her hand, but figured that she wouldn't take kindly to that. It seemed to him like she was enjoying watching him squirm.

They once again exited the cave and moved into the sunlight, Fiyero realizing that this didn't seem to dazzle his eyes as badly any more. As they proceeded he scrambled to get nearer to Elphaba, telling himself that this was because he was still afraid of the spell's effects. She didn't seem to be paying him any mind, but he decided not to pester her.

They both remained silent as they neared the small village.

The pair did not receive as many strange stares as they passed through, for the Animals seemed to have adjusted to Fiyero's presence a bit since yesterday. However, Fiyero still felt like an outsider, an intruder in another world. He tried to ignore these feelings as he followed Elphaba through the town.

However, she seemed to pick up on his uncertainty and said, "Oh, don't worry about them. It took them all a while to get used to my presence too."

Glad she was finally speaking to him, Fiyero grinned and replied jokingly, "Oh, I find that hard to believe, you have such a welcoming presence."

"You're quite the charmer aren't you?" Elphaba asked, sarcasm evident in her voice though a small smile was on her lips.

Fiyero smiled back. "I try."

They walked together in companionable silence for a bit longer before they came upon the same school house they'd visited yesterday. Elphaba stopped walking and ushered him inside. Fiyero was still amazed by the sight, even though he was better prepared for it this time.

After checking up on progress once more, Elphaba led Fiyero over to the story circle, where several eager Animal children were already sitting in a circle. Lorgen was present as well this today, and she sprung up as Elphaba approached, a thin children's novel clutched in her paws.

"You said I could pick today Miss Elphaba," she said excitedly, holding the book out, "and this is my favorite!"

Elphaba accepted the book, smiling at the eager cub. She moved to take her seat at the center of the circle, but she halted as though having second thoughts. "You know," she said, "I think it would be fun if we had a guest reader today. What do you think?"

There was a small cheer from the children, though they looked a bit confused by the proposal. Fiyero, realizing what was coming, turned to make a quick getaway, but soon found himself forced into the plastic chair with the small book in his lap. He stared out at the eager Animal faces with apprehension, unsure of what to do. He was an only child, and he'd never been great with children.

"This is Fiyero," Elphaba explained, "He's going to be reading to you today."

Fiyero looked down at the book as the children applauded him politely once more. It was titled 'The Three Bears', a name Fiyero did not recognize. Still, he took a deep breath, opened to the first page, and began to read.

The children watched him with rapt attention as he read through the short story, but Fiyero simply concentrated on the words. He did not look up until he'd finished, and when he did he was met with the sight of several smiling faces. He couldn't help but smile too as he stood up and Elphaba moved to take the book from him. He waved goodbye to the children as they left, before turning to face Elphaba.

"What was that about?" he asked as they started toward the exit.

Elphaba shrugged, "You said you wanted to be a part of this cause right? Well you've got to start somewhere."

Fiyero nodded, realizing that it actually had felt good to help out, even if it was only in a very small way. He couldn't believe he'd been so self absorbed for so long when there was such an amount of good that could be done. He smiled back at Elphaba as they continued further on into the village.

Throughout the day, Elphaba and Fiyero seemed to be loosening up around each other more and more with each passing minute. By mid afternoon they were chatting like long time friends, and Fiyero could not believe what an amazing woman Elphaba had turned out to be. He'd never met anyone with such admirable strength and determination. He didn't understand how anyone could be afraid of someone so fiery and passionate, even though he himself had been not very long ago.

They finally left the village later that evening, both in high spirits and feeling very relaxed in each other's company. Once again Fiyero felt the sudden urge to take her hand in his own, and this time decided to take a chance. Elphaba flinched as his hand suddenly enveloped her own, obviously not expecting the contact, but she did not pull away. Fiyero was grateful for this and they continued to walk hand-in-hand.

After a few moments Elphaba initiated conversation once more. "So what do you think of the village? I'm sure being here doesn't compare with the life you had back in the Emerald City." She said guiltily, her gaze dropping to the floor.

"Elphaba," he said, trying to make her look him in the eye, "I think being out here is probably one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. Whether it was of my own free will or not, being out here has changed me. Being with you has changed me, and I honestly don't know if I would choose to go back to the Emerald City at this point."

He could tell by the way she would not look at him that she did not believe him, but he wasn't sure what else he could say to convince her. He decided to change the subject, "Where did you live? I mean, before you…moved out here."

"I'm from Munchkinland originally," she said, obviously glad to be on a new topic, "My father was the governor, but my sister took over after he passed away."

Fiyero nodded, not sure of what else to say on the matter. He'd already known about Elphaba's sister's position, and he also knew full well what the munchkins thought of her and her oppressive laws. Still, he supposed he'd never really connected the dots and realized that it must mean that Elphaba was a daughter of the governor as well.

He was about to comment on this, when he realized that Elphaba had suddenly stopped walking and was staring straight ahead with a look of horror on her face. Fiyero followed her gaze and felt his heart drop into his stomach.

There, right outside the entrance to the cave, was a battalion of about sixty Gale Forcers. It appeared that some had already entered the cave, but those still outside froze to face Elphaba and Fiyero. For a few moments nobody moved, and Fiyero could only stare hopelessly between Elphaba and his own troops. There was no where to run and no means of escape, they'd been spotted.

So yeah, I ended it on another cliffhanger. I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible; I have no idea why it's so hard to write. I don't even have writer's block, I know what I want to happen, and I just can't find the patience to write it all down. Please leave me a review and tell me what you though of this chapter. I could sure use the motivation.

Oh, and I know a lot of you are impatient for Glinda's name to come up, as is evident by your reviews. Please bear with me; I swear it'll happen eventually.

S.P.