AN: I'M SORRY! I know I promised an update a few days ago, but life got in the way. We had a family reunion this weekend which was surprisingly fun. I have another song fic idea, but I am updating this first. I was at work today and chapter stuff for later popped into my head. So Most of my shift I was writing in my server pad that I take orders in…so I have like 50 tiny sheets filled with writing for later chapters, which is unusual lol. I want to give a shout out to Wicked Elphaba-Fiyero who FINALLY updated Following The Rules, which is an awesome story and you should all go check it out.

Today was it, it was Lurlinemas. Elphaba was a little unsure of what to expect. She knew back at the orphanage, the children would all be given a double dose of chores to do, to pound out any pagan sympathies as Frex put it. Here she knew Oscar and Melena and all the inhabitants of the palace had been going all out, including Fiyero, but she had no idea what to expect.

She was just sitting down to breakfast when Fiyero came bounding in a huge smile gracing his face. Elphaba just smiled and laughed.

"What bug is up your butt this morning to make you bounce around like that?"

"It's Lurlinemas! You have to be excited about it! Presents, decorations, great food, good friends, what's not to enjoy?" At this Elphaba blushed and looked down.

"I wouldn't know. I have never celebrated it before. If any of us so much as mentioned Lurline, we were punished and locked in the closet, if we were lucky." She said this to her lap, not wanting to see the sympathy and pity in Fiyero's eyes. He placed two fingers under her chin and raised her face to meet his gaze. "Elphaba, if I ask you a question, will you answer it honestly?" She hesitated, then slowly nodded.

"Did he beat all of the other orphans, or just you?"

She squirmed and tried to avoid answering the question, but she could not avoid his gaze. "He would punish us all with extra chores or locked in the closet, but I am the only one he ever beat. It didn't matter. I think it was because he saw me, still does as an aberration and will only bring destruction to everything and everyone I touch. He only had to look at me to get angry and find an excuse to beat me. The day I was brought here was the worst I have ever experienced and I am dreading the day I have to go back once this week has ended." Fiyero didn't know what to say to that and was appalled that a man who was supposed to protect a young orphan would treat her so horribly. Instead of a reply, he wrapped his arms around Elphaba and she leaned into his embrace, grateful for the comfort he provided.

They were saved from any more unpleasant memories as Melena entered the room and saw Elphaba in Fiyero's arms. She smiled at the sight before her and wished that she did not have such a secret burden to carry. Oscar followed her close behind and they all spent a wonderful time around the table, joking and laughing with each other. Elphaba, despite the happiness of the day and the excitement she as feeling, could tell that Oscar and Melena were tense and trying to hide it. She decided not to comment on it and just enjoy the day ahead of her.

After breakfast they all congregated into a private suite that Oscar had commandeered for the occasion. When Oscar handed Elphaba a present to open, she was surprised. "You got me a present?"

Oscar was confused. "Of course I would. Why wouldn't I?"

"It's just that no one has ever given me a present before, for a reason other than I am an orphan." Oscar winced at the mention of her being an orphan. Elphaba caught this and wondered, but again, she kept silent, all the while wondering why Oscar was acting so strange. She shrugged it off and opened her present. Inside was a complete set of Dr. Dillamond's books, all signed and addressed to her. She gasped when she looked through the entire set and flew at Oscar, knocking him over in her enthusiastic hug. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou! How did you know?"

"Elphaba, do you remember the day after you arrived when I found you in the library and you were so enthralled with the book you were reading? I knew it was one of Dr. Dillamond's books, and I know he would enjoy a young scholar such as you and I asked him if he would be willing to give up a set of his works and sign them to you. I am glad you like them."

"Like them? I love them!" Oscar chuckled at her happiness. "Well, I guess we won't be seeing much of Elphaba soon, once she gets started on those books." At this Elphaba looked sheepish and put her books down before giving her gift to Oscar. He opened it to find a photo frame with a drawing of him placed in it. He was amazed at the detail in the picture. The artist had captured the look of concentration on his face incredibly well and the likeness was almost identical. If he didn't know better, he would have thought he was looking in the mirror. "I love it Elphaba, thank you!"

The day passed slowly for the small group, and Elphaba sat with Fiyero before a blazing fire in the library that evening, softly talking. Elphaba suddenly sat up and turned around to face Fiyero.

"Did you think Oscar and Melena were acting weird today?"

"I did, but I didn't think you noticed. Why do you think they were acting so weird?"

"I don't know, but I am going to ask him tomorrow, but for now I am happy to just lay here by the fire with you."

The pair was silent for a while before Fiyero pulled a small box out of his pocket and spoke. "Fae, there is one last present for you. This one is special to me as are you. I love you and I want you to have it. " She looked at him curiously, opening the box, revealing the necklace inside. It was a small blue diamond surrounded by a silver heart. She looked up at him with her heart in her eyes. "Oh Yero, it's beautiful! I love it and I love you too! I never imagined my life would be like this when I came to the palace. I am so incredibly glad we literally ran into each other before I came here. I love you so much!"

Fiyero suddenly leaned in and kissed her. She closed her eyes and sank into it, only opening them when he drew back. He stroked her cheek. "Happy Lurlinemas Fae." She smiled at him and burrowed deeper into his arms. As they lay there watching the fire, neither one of them realized when they fell asleep. That was the position the two young lovers were later in the night when Oscar found them in the library. He couldn't help but smile, and softly covered them in a blanket from a nearby sofa. "Goodnight you two, and sweet dreams," he murmured before tip toeing out of the room.