AN: Thank you all so much for making it to the end, and especially to everyone who reviewed/alerted/favorited it. I can't believe almost 300 reviews. You guys are so completely amazing. Thanks for not giving up on this story. I hope you like the end.

Morrible whirled to see his stern-faced father outlined in the door. "Your Highness." She dipped in a shallow bow. "What a pleasure. We weren't expecting you here so soon."

He lifted an eyebrow. "Clearly." He strode forward, the epitome of authority conveyed in his confident bearing. Fiyero fought the urge to cower. "I happened to be in the Emerald City on business when I was informed of my son's…" Fiyero winced as his father located the word, "indiscretions."

"Oh," Morrible nodded. "Yes, well, that is convenient, at least."

"Convenient is not a word I would use, Madame." She wilted under the king's stare. "I believe I am owed an explanation."

"Yes, of course." She turned face Fiyero, who whispered a sincere prayer to become invisible. "You son and Miss Thropp have been uncovered in a compromising position, which is both a violation of her expulsion and of our student code of conduct."

Fiyero had refused to look at Elphaba in the hopes that she could stay unnoticed, but leave it to Morrible to call attention to her at the first opportunity. Elphaba paused in her attempt to defy physics and extend her clothing as the king fixed her in a long, evaluation stare.

He turned back to Morrible. "I was under the impression my son was the one expelled. How have they managed to continue this affair after discovery over a day ago? Surely your staff is not so lax as to allow this as a routine occurrence here."

Morrible colored. "Certainly not. I have just made the discovery now. I assure you, this is a most unusual event at this esteemed university."

Fiyero couldn't help a little bitterness that they discussed his 'indiscretion' as if he'd actually gotten to make love to that gorgeous creature. Oz, as if he'd even gotten to kiss her. But he knew better than to argue.

"If you'll pardon me." Fiyero braced himself. Polite restraint often heralded the worst punishment in the Tiggular household. "I have much to do. I would like to know what my son has done to deserve expulsion."

"Miss Thropp-"

The king's eyes went cold. "Enough about the girl. I believe I asked what my son had done."

Morrible froze, and Fiyero felt a sudden, fierce hope. She weighed her words with caution. "Yes, Your Highness. Of course. I would beg your pardon as her offense is closely linked with your son's."

He nodded once, and she continued.

"Miss Thropp and your son have caused quite the string of problems, between the reckless cavorting and cheating on exams," Fiyero opened his mouth to argue, but at the vicious look from his father, clacked his teeth shut again. "But the assault on one of our students simply cannot be tolerated."

"Fiyero assaulted a student?"

"I apprehended Miss Thropp, but your son came forward to confess his involvement." At the king's pointed look, she amended, "He lied, Your Highness. He connived to deceive me in a vain attempt to cover up his accomplice's crimes."

"So," his father stroked his beard, "expulsion is an appropriate consequence for a simple lie now?"

She blanched, "But…this morning…."

"He had already been expelled. Thus, he had nothing to lose. You can't expect an adolescent boy who believes himself to be leaving his young love not to cherish each remaining moment."

Fiyero heart twisted as he absorbed the truth in his father's words. He might not see Elphaba again. Now he felt ill himself.

"That does not mean it's excusable!" Morrible's face contorted.

"No, but it cannot be used as continued argument for expulsion."

Morrible flushed, but said nothing. His father studied the air for a moment.

"Madame, I must disagree with your decision. It seems to me that these two are only guilty of youth." Fiyero bristled at his problems so readily dismissed as immaturity, but he didn't dare interrupt his father. "Based on your overreaction here, I am loathe to trust they have not been the victims of such prejudice in the past. I believe both should be readmitted at once."

"Your son, perhaps, but that girl is a menace."

"So you say," his voice dry. "However, I find your judgment particularly compromised on the issue."

"Buh-"

His glare stopped Morrible mid-word. "Furthermore, I think the past few days should serve as enough punishment considering the decided lack of severity in the 'assault' on Master Tenmeadow's boy."

"You've-"

"Yes, Master Tenmeadow's sent me a post not long after yours. He wished to express remorse for any misunderstandings Fiyero might experience as a result of his son's recklessness. Both he and the boy were most apologetic."

"Oh."

The king's face then took on a deadly and disgusted look that actually sent Morrible skittering back a half-step. "And as for the girl's roommate, I think it would be best not to torment another innocent child in this debacle lest I make some threats of my own."

Morrible blanched. Then she forced a sickly sweet smile on her face, "Your highness, I believe-"

"In fact, in light of this bungled affair, I'm tempted to remove my son from this school, regardless, and express my dissatisfaction with the school more vocally." When Morrible cocked her head, his father added, "That is to say, publicly." He caught sight of Fiyero's horrified expression. "I think, however, I will let my son make the final decision."

"I want to stay," he blurted without a breath.

His father smiled. "Then you may. At least for now." The tightness in Fiyero's chest loosened, and he allowed himself to hope.

"Thank you," Morrible sighed, and the king took a step closer.

"Trust me when I say the moment he sends word of any undeserved mistreatment, I shall make good on my words."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"That is all, Madame. I'm sure you have much work to do, and I believe my son is in some desperate need of unpacking." His eyes swept the mess Fiyero had unearthed from below his bed, and Fiyero rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

Madame Morrible clenched her jaw and spun on her heel without so much as a goodbye. Fiyero couldn't believe she'd given in.

With a gulp, Fiyero realized they were alone with his father. The king turned to Elphaba, who blushed again. Why hadn't they thought to get dressed? For perhaps the first time since he'd met her, Fiyero wished she had more clothes on.

His father took a grave step toward her.

"Father, this isn't what it looks like." He moved to intercept, but the king held up a hand. Elphaba stopped fidgeting and lifted her chin, the model of pride and strength.

His father stopped in front of Elphaba to study her eyes for a moment, but Elphaba betrayed none of her anxiety. When he smiled, Fiyero let out the breath he hadn't meant to hold. His father took Elphaba's hand in his with a chivalrous kiss.

"I'm so glad we got a chance to be acquainted. I owe you quite a debt, I believe, for taking care of my son."

She blushed. "I didn't do much. I seem to be a magnet for trouble."

"I would beg to differ." He raised his eyebrows. "Fiyero is no stranger to trouble, himself. You seem to have quite the good influence on him. Today not withstanding."

"Thank you," she mumbled, and Fiyero flashed her a smile. His father patted her hand fondly before turning to him.

"As for you…"

"Yes, Father?"

"I hoped to visit under more pleasant circumstances." Fiyero hung his head to wait for his punishment. As long as he could stay, he would glad be confined to holidays at the castle or no excursions beyond his room. Whatever would keep him near Elphaba. "I cannot condone deception, but, I am most impressed by your rather aberrant selflessness. I suppose this is a start."

Fiyero laughed. "Thanks, I think." Elphaba shifted to subtly pull his shirt lower on her thighs. The king gave Fiyero a knowing look.

"Well, I think it's time I took my leave." He winked. "I'm sure you could use a moment of privacy." He gave Elphaba's hand a final squeeze and hauled Fiyero out by the shoulder to follow him.

"Father?" Fiyero flashed a sincere smile. "Thanks. You know, and for Elphaba, too."

His father pulled him into a gruff half-hug. "Your first semi-noble act. Fiyero, my son, there may be hope for you yet."

He watched his father leave with a touch of reluctance, halfway afraid that without their protector, Morrible would pop back up and chop them into tiny bits. But then again, a half-dressed girl waited in his room for him.

"I can't believe you!" Elphaba rounded on him, eyes fierce.

"Ah!" He grabbed his heart. "Why did you sneak up on me like that?"

She glared. "You were, what, going to leave without even bothering to tell me why? You didn't think I deserved to know about your little plan? That I had some right to a say in it?"

"You would have said no."

"You're damn right I would have said no! What do you think you're doing?" She whacked him on the arm. "You think I could live with that?"

"Better you stay than me. You're at least an asset to society."

"So are you, you big lunk!" She bit her lips together in an attempt to calm down. They were attracting stares. Or more, her lack of attire was. "Come on. I'm not done yelling at you yet."

She stalked back down the hall to his room, hauling him behind her.

He shut the door and as she drew a breath, he sighed. "Okay. Let me have it. I know I deserve it."

She froze, mouth open, and stared at him. Her teeth clicked shut. She blinked. "You…"

He ran a hand through his hair. "I should have told you. I wanted to, but I didn't know how. I didn't want you to go argue with Morrible and get yourself expelled all over again."

She flushed. "And that's for you to decide? You have to step in and play the hero to the damsel in distress, like some stupid fairy tale?"

"No, but…" He waved his hands in frustration, "I couldn't just do nothing!"

"You should have told me."

He nodded and took one cautious step toward her. "Yes, I should have."

"Why? Why did you do that? You could have been expelled, and it would have been all my fault."

"No, I made my own decision." Another step. "None of it was your fault. If you want someone to blame, blame Horrible Morrible. She's the one with the vendetta." He took two more steps forward.

"But why, Fiyero? Why would you take my place?"

He shrugged, uncomfortable at his answer, by the gravity of its proof. "I'd do anything for you," he mumbled and hoped she didn't hear.

"Why?" her voice softer than his somehow. "Why would you do anything, Fiyero?"

How had he not noticed how close they had gotten? She'd mirrored his steps, and he'd been too busy evading her questions to notice. Neither of them found the courage to make eye contact, and Fiyero found himself staring at her lips. Her beautiful, parted lips that begged him to kiss them.

He licked his lips. Every nerve screamed to touch her. "Because…"

The hum of the fan seemed like a roar in the near silent room. Her eyelashes fluttered as she licked her lips in mimic of him. "Because why?"

"I…" He didn't get the words out because her lips closed the tiny distance between them. It wasn't a proper kiss, but the touch of her soft, supple lips against his derailed any thoughts his brain struggled to process.

He stepped into her as his arms snaked around her. He caressed her lips with his and coaxed her into an actual kiss. The sensation was dizzying. He pressed her against him as if he could merge them into one body. As the kiss deepened, Elphaba sighed, and he ran his hand up her spine to tangle in her hair.

Somehow he regained enough sense to breathe, and when he pulled back, Elphaba stumbled out of his arms. "That was…"

"Amazing," she confirmed. She touched a finger to her lips to make sure they were still on.

"Just amazing? Let's try again. I can do better," he promised with a step toward her.

She smiled and pressed a palm to his cheek. "I'm sure."

Slower, he reminded himself. Calm down. It was hard. He rested his forehead against hers to let their lips brush idly against each others'. He still hadn't caught his breath when she bit her lip, and burst into giggles.

"Well, that's new." He smiled as she blinked through her lashes at him, still hiccupping. "What's so funny?"

"We finally did it." He raised his eyebrows, and she blushed and punched his shoulder. "Kissed, you pervert. We finally kissed. "

"I was starting to think we never would."

Her laughter proved infectious. They echoed their relief in chuckles and giggles that shook them both until his cheeks hurt. When he regained his senses, he stilled her lips with a long, gentle kiss. She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder. He led her to the bed and, with great restraint, sat beside her.

"So what now?"

"How do you mean?" he asked, his arm draped around her waist.

"Well, I haven't exactly had a boyfriend before."

"Me neither," he smirked at her exasperated sigh. "We go on dates, spend time together, hold hands, and confide in each other. You know, take care of each other."

"So how is that any different than before?"

He smiled. "Well, I get to do this," he paused to meet her lips in a sweet kiss, "which I would consider a plus."

"I agree." He pulled her onto his lap to deepen their kisses. For several long moments, they lost themselves in the soft exploration of each other's lips. Until she pulled back abruptly. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"What, this?" He kissed her again. "Absolutely."

"No, I mean, dating. What if I screw it up? It's not like I'm the easiest person to be around, and sometimes you still drive me insane."

"I try."

She stood up to pace. "Be serious, Fiyero. What if we end up hating each other?"

"We won't."

"Or I mess everything up."

"You won't."

"Or we get bored with each other."

He gave her a significant look. "No chance."

"And end up miserable?"

He wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her softly. "We're going to be fine. Don't worry. How could we possible not be great together? Look how incredible you are, and I'm not a total loser, am I?"

She rolled her eyes.

"We're going to be great."

"What makes you so sure?"

He held her hand over his heart. "You."

He took her silence as another opportunity to kiss her, which he took advantage of as long as he could before she pulled back. "I don't have any idea what I'm doing. I'm awful with people and relationships."

"I'll teach you." He kissed her nose. "Isn't that why we have lessons?"

She laughed and slid closer. "Well, you are a very good teacher."

"That's right, I am." He silently thanked himself for teaching her to flirt. "First new lesson – when alone with your boyfriend, quit worrying and kiss him."

"Like this?" She reached up to brush her lips against his.

"Mmm." He tugged her back onto his lap. "Exactly."

"Practice makes perfect."

"Just what I was thinking." He kissed her back, and for the next hour neither one of them managed another conscious thought.

THE END