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Chapter Text

If he had to guess, Fiyero would say it started the moment they met. Stepping on those books, hand placed on Boq’s shoulder, and there he was looking back up at him with deep brown eyes and a doe-like innocence Fiyero was very interested in getting to know. And, of course, Fiyero effortlessly succeeded in making the boy his best friend.

He learned that Boq was a nervous creature, always seeing the best in others, thinking of their feelings. In fact, his selflessness sometimes upset Fiyero. Boq hid behind it for comfort, but for once, Fiyero would love for him to just take what he wanted. Or, in the same way, be upfront about what he didn't want. It took a long, lengthy talk between them for Fiyero to convince him to dump (or “gently decline” as Boq put it) Nessa. He only made strides by pointing out it was rude to string her along, even if Boq thought he was protecting her feelings, and that had snapped Boq out of his stupor because Boq hated to be rude.

Then, there were the more inconsequential things that Fiyero learned about Boq. Things that, to most people, didn't matter or were things Fiyero simply liked about his Munchkin friend. For instance, Boq loved color. Every outfit of his contained at least three colors, typically with some sort of orange and red, and Fiyero enjoyed how he could always find Boq in a room. Boq also enjoyed tasks. He liked having goals and things to work to and outlined steps; the boy practically reveled in accomplishment, no matter how small the feat. His excitement to even the smallest of things was, in some ways, inspiring.

And Fiyero was enamored by his smile, the way it pulled up on the right side and was just a little bit toothy. It was certainly Fiyero’s favorite of all the smiles he’d ever seen.

So, after many late night stable talks with Feldspur and staring at ceilings at night and lingering thoughts of if and maybe , Fiyero concluded that he was in fact experiencing what was known as a ‘crush’ .

Truth be told, it was a bit exhilarating. All the despairing talk of crushes, he feared it would put an awkward strain on their relationship. But it only made the whole thing more fun for Fiyero. The feeling of a secret Boq didn’t fully understand, the knowledge Fiyero had that the small things Boq didn’t think twice of about himself were the things Fiyero took note of. It was fun, and Fiyero loved fun.

Boq, bless him, was none the wiser. Too good-natured to believe that anyone of anywhere could have a crush on him. That, and the fact that best friends harboring secret crushes was apparently on the rare side, which Fiyero simply had to doubt. At Shiz? He couldn’t possibly be the only one.

Of course, there was the question of whether to pursue or not. Simply treating Boq as his best friend from the moment they met worked wonders–magic, almost–in turning them into perfect pals. Would the same work for dating? Fiyero had never tried dating someone before.

Well, he sorted dated Galinda. At least, if the school had something to say about it. The Shiz Gazette (did it report on actual news, or just gossip? to be determined ) put to paper a number of articles on Fiyero’s and Galinda’s short-lived romance. The ‘whirlwind’ story of their kiss at the Ozdust, the flower he’d given her, followed by Galinda essentially breaking up with him in the most Galinda of fashions.

“It’s not you,” she’d said, a practiced poise and that smile that fooled anyone. “We’re on different paths, and know this breaks my heart,”–a hand on her chest, “–but I’m afraid I simply must look within more. You understand, don’t you? Oh, you’ve always been a very good friend, Fiyero.” She beamed up, a soft edge to her eyes. “You’ll always be very dear to me.”

Artful, truly. The pinpoint delivery and the subtle push of the word ‘friend’. If Fiyero had cared, it would’ve made him feel better. But as wonderful as Galinda was, the kind of fun he had in mind with her was of a different variety than he had with Boq.

Well, actually.

No reason it can’t be both.

All of this to say, Fiyero getting confessed to by a fellow student–and one he swears he’s never met before–was quite shocking.

The girl was shorter than him, but not by much. Her height pointed to Gillikinese, but she wasn’t blonde as he expected. Strange.

She had asked him to accompany her, and Fiyero was going to politely decline, but then Boq had walked by saying he’d see him ‘after his talk was over’ , so now he felt obligated to attend. Now, he found himself in some strange alcove near flowing streams of water and crossing stone rocks. A great big tree with almost a silver hue was off to the side from them, and Fiyero found that much more interesting than whatever was going on in front of him.

She was talking, he was sure of it, but he found himself quite uninterested in what she had to say. Of course, she would never know it, as he made the picture perfect display of calculated listening. He wasn’t usually like this, but Boq had just finished another chapter of his book, meaning he’d want to ramble about it. But the window to get Boq to ramble about one of his interests was shorter than one might expect. If too much time passed, he’d say it’s ‘not important’ and try to switch the topic to Fiyero–simply unacceptable.

He did tune in because even he wasn’t so callous to ignore what was clearly a love confession.

“So, if you’d be interested, I’d quite like it if we…went out to dinner sometime. Together,” she said, a shy smile on her face. Her eyes were hopeful, making Fiyero feel a tad guilty, but the heart wants what it wants or whatever Feldspur had told him.

She was quite beautiful if it were any consolation to her. He slipped on a smile of apology and answered, “I’m deeply sorry, but I’m afraid my heart has other wants at the current moment.”

Her face dropped an inch, but more than that, she seemed surprised. After a moment of rapid blinking, she steeled herself, smiling again, “That’s alright. No harm. We don’t decide these things.”

It seemed everyone had been given that heart advice. Huh.

“Yes, indeed.” Fiyero took her hand in his. Her eyelashes fluttered. “But you’re a very beautiful girl. You need only pivot your efforts to other suitors, and I’m sure you’ll have them. I’m afraid the nature of my feelings, though, has made me immune to your charms.” Compliments were always good in times of rejection.

More than expected, it did seem to brighten her up. “Th-thank you.”

“Of course.” He gently removed his hands, tucking them back in his pockets. “I really must be off now, if that’s alright.”

She hastily nodded, folding her hands over. “Yes, yes, of course. I’m so sorry to have taken your time up.”

As he began walking away, he turned on his heel to face her. “Darling, never apologize for bravery.”

For all those keeping track, Fiyero was successful in getting his Boq book rant during lunch hour. Some fantasy novel he’d been reading in a strange land where people have small boxes they can use to communicate and trains small as just one cart that travel wherever they like rather than on tracks. Odd, wasn’t it? Apparently some affair was unfolding–how scandalous!

They parted then for classes. More accurately, Boq went to his Forestry class and Fiyero went to spend time with Feldspur. He would’ve looked for Elphaba or Galinda, or even Nessa, to hang out with, but when they were all nowhere to be found, the stables were always a good bet. Because, well, if Feldspur wasn’t there, Fiyero would have to report an animal kidnapping. The two went out for a short ride, a jaunt really, before Fiyero headed up to his dorm with an apple he did not steal from Feldspur’s stash.

And technically it wasn’t Fiyero’s dorm. The school, in their grace and favoritism, gave him a private suite. It was a wonderful room, with plenty of space, a bed comically big considering it was a college campus, and more amenities than Fiyero knew what to do with, but it was placed at the end of the hall. How far and annoying. Boq’s room was about a third smaller than the private suite, which Fiyero found odd since it was meant to house two people, but given that Boq luckily didn’t have a roommate, Fiyero became his de facto roommate. Plus, it was closer to the front of the hallway. Accessible or what? And the matter of getting the second key for the room was nothing when one was a Prince at Shiz University. Oh, how they love to make a good impression.

Fiyero sat at Boq’s desk, feet hanging off the edge of the table and chewing his apple (these things really were delicious, and stealing it from Feldspur made it taste better). Boq’s class was finishing up soon, Fiyero knew, so it was only a matter of time before he showed up.

Unfortunately, Fiyero couldn’t say ‘right on cue’ because Boq did not show up right on cue. He showed up about fifteen minutes post cue. What’s up with that?

Boq came in, distracted–Fiyero could tell. His head was hanging a bit low, his curls bouncing as he mumbled to himself. He busied himself with locking the door, seemingly not noticing Fiyero at all.

“Fiyero!”

And apparently he hadn’t.

Fiyero grinned. “Took you long enough. Forestry run late today?”

Boq gripped at his book bag strap, but returned the smile. “No, I just–uh–just got stopped a bit in the Quad today, that’s all. Club flyers and things like that.”

Fiyero raised an eyebrow but didn’t push the issue.

“Did you want some apple?”

Boq blinked. “Oh, sure.” He walked up till he was arms length of Fiyero, looking around the desk. “Where…is it?”

“Here.”

“...I–I’m not eating your apple.”

With fake offense, Fiyero said, “What? I will have you know, this other half, I have not even touched.” Which was true. Half the apple was perfectly intact, no teeth marks.

Boq laughed as his head dipped down. “I’m sure, but why don’t you just enjoy?”

“No, I really insist you have some.”

“I really insist I shouldn’t.”

“What happened to sharing is caring? And the subsequent expression that not accepting someone’s sharing is unbelievably hurtful?”

“It’s a half-eaten apple, Fiyero,” Boq said, clearly amused. “Some things don’t need to be shared.” All fine and dandy.

Except the way he said that last statement. Did not sit well with Fiyero. Not at all.

And that’s when he saw it. A little thing of paper, something rolled up, sticking out of the very edge of his bookbag. Boq did detest anything sticking out of his bag for fear it would get picked up or blown away by the wind. Could only mean that he had put the paper in his bag haphazardly, so it couldn’t be from class as he would’ve taken more care with it…

So it must have been something he got on the move… Where was he on the move? The Quad. Why was he late? Also the Quad.

The mystery was coming together.

“What’s that?” Fiyero pointed. He took his feet down from the desk.

Boq’s eyes followed instantly to the paper. Definitely incriminating. “It–it’s nothing.” A stutter? Even more so.

“No, no, tell me.”

“It’s really nothing.” And then, just by an inch, Boq shifted back. That wouldn’t do at all.

“Oh, come on,” Fiyero said. He grabbed the strap of Boq’s bag and pulled him forward. Boq obliged though Fiyero could feel some resistance. To ensure he wouldn't run away (and because he felt like it), Fiyero straightened his legs out, crossing them at the ankle as they rested on the floor, so that they wrapped around one of Boq’s legs. He saw Boq’s Adam’s apple bob nervously as Fiyero grabbed the paper.

And wow , what a title. The Gazette strikes again.

Prince Fiyero’s Heart Claimed?! New Details Following Galinda Break-Up!

Really, all one can do is laugh. So he did.

From above him, Boq’s eyes furrowed. “You’re not…mad at it?”

“Mad?” Fiyero chuckled. He looked at Boq’s sad little doe-eyes. They were quite cute. “More amused than mad. I mean, it’s an odd article title for one, and I do wonder how Galinda will feel about her name being in there. For two, the details I’m sure they’re to disclose happened only a few hours ago. But, these kinds of things are expected when you’re a prince.”

“Oh. Well. That’s, good, I guess? That you don’t think it’s rude.”

“Of course, maybe I’ll read it and my opinion will change.”

“You don’t– need to read it,” he nervously smiled. Boq gently reached for it, but Fiyero pulled it back in time. Not like Boq got very far though in their current arrangement.

Fiyero narrowed his eyes playfully. “Why’s that, Boq? Something incriminating about you in here?”

Boq turned the shade of his hair. “No! I just–,” he took in a breath, “–why would you want to?”

“For fun, of course.”

And with that, Fiyero read.

Prince Fiyero’s Heart Claimed?! New Details Following Galinda Break-Up!

By writers at the Shiz Galette

(and Fiyero took note of the anonymity of the article)

After a culminating and captivating romance at the Ozdust with Galinda of the Upper Uplands, followed by Galinda’s public announcement that she will be focusing on her studies in all ways, Prince Fiyero re-hit the romance market of the Shiz economy as the most swankified bachelor!

But, a new anonymous tip indicates this Prince may not be as single as once thought.

The anonymous tip detailed a fellow Shiz student who, after confessing her romance for the Prince (and we at the Shiz Gazette give our condolences on it not working out), was told by Fiyero Tigelaar himself that his heart had “other wants at the moment”. He added, after complimenting her on her beauty (a very classitastic move, as expected of the wonderful Fiyero) that the “nature of his feelings” made him “immune to her charms”. The implication is strong: perhaps a budding romance could have blossomed with our anonymous informant, save for Fiyero’s heart afflictions–afflictions that point to nothing other than a crush!

This leads, though, to only the greatest question on Shiz’s mind: who has captured the Prince’s heart?!

When considering potential suitors for the fantabulous Prince, very few contenders may come to mind initially. After all, who could compare to him? His charisma is overwhelming, his uniquity off the charts. Prince Fiyero proposed the first ever Ozdust Ball Dance–a tradition the rest of Shiz has taken to celebrating–which requires incredible nerve and braverism, and the dancing talent he displayed on only his first day of school was second to none! Who could be such a match for him?

Not only that, but seeing as our Prince has not made his move, it implies that he may be nervous (do we dare say?!) to confess his feelings. Or, perhaps, he is aware the object of his affections will not return his calls of love.

With that being said, the obvious contender seems to be Galinda, but insiders at the Shiz Galette assure us that this isn’t possible. So, the question remains:

Who is the Prince’s secret crush?

And a second question emerges:

How will we find out?

Wow. What a piece of work.

Fiyero snapped out of his stupor as Boq shifted his weight between his feet.

“That was,” he began, “certainly something.” Certainly insulting is what it was. Treating him like some untouchable person and that people should just bow at his feet because. Likeability was a wonderful thing until it deemed you as separate from everyone else.

And insulting to fellow students, he’d imagine. How someone could read that and not feel like digs were being made that they couldn't possibly live up to the ‘amazing Fiyero’ is beyond him.

“Yeah,” Boq nervously agreed.

Fiyero unlatched himself from Boq to lean his arms over the desk and reinspect this flimsy piece of print. There was other news on it, side stories crammed into the margins, but nothing as substantial as the multi-paragraph analytical breakdown he was now reading.

“Is something the matter?” he asked a moment later. From the corner of his eye, he could see Boq–rigid still–at the edge of the desk fiddling with his fingers.

“No,” he replied instinctively. Then, “Well, a little.”

Fiyero cast the paper aside, giving Boq his full attention, something he was clearly starved of growing up.

After some more fiddling and a bit of mouth twitching, Boq said, “I guess– it’s just– why didn’t you tell me? That you had a crush?” He smiled as a coverup. “Not that you had to tell me, of course, but, you know, I thought that– well, nevermind–,”

As adorable as it was watching him flounder, Fiyero couldn’t have that. He took one of Boq’s hands to stop his nervous wringing. “Don’t think anything of it, really,” he said, hoping his sincereness was coming out. “It’s not because I don’t trust you, if that’s what you’re so worried about.”

“Oh,” he whispered. He blinked repeatedly and swallowed. The tell-tale signs that Boq was going to cry but was trying not to. Sometimes, he was too sensitive for his own good. But Fiyero liked that. “That’s good.” With his free hand, he quickly rubbed at his eyes.

“I’d trust you with anything, you know.”

A small smile came over Boq’s face. A pout followed after. “Can I ask… why you didn’t tell me?”

Fiyero broke out a trusty smirk. “Of course. I simply have bigger plans.”

A sure-fire method to make sure Boq doesn’t cry: confuse him. Works wonders.

“Bigger plans?”

“Indeed,” Fiyero said. He stood up, wrapping an arm around Boq and walking them around the room. Movement was good too. Distracted him from making tears. Plus, Boq’s height made it a comfortable position. “See, my dear Boq, all things will be revealed in due time, so not to fret. I, like I always do, have a plan.”

“...Since when?”

“Always.”

“I thought you pride yourself on never having a plan.”

“Yes, well, when you think about it, not having a plan was a plan, and now having a plan is my plan.”

“I…don’t follow.”

“Very true, very true indeed.” They stopped somewhere in the middle of the entrance. Fiyero clasped both his hands on Boq’s shoulders. “But! In due time, you will.”

With a nervous pull of the eyebrows and a tilt of a smile (Fiyero did love that smile), Boq said, “If you say so.”

And Fiyero did say so.

Chapter Text

Fiyero had severely underestimated how many people read The Shiz Gazette. Either that, or people upticked in reading it when he was the subject.

Everywhere he walked on the school grounds, eyes followed him. Not much different than before, but the giggly whispers had altered. Fiyero, ever educated in such matters, could easily hear the difference. Grins were still thrown, his peers beaming at him with the hopes one glance would be enough to make him fall in love. Fluttering finger waves accompanied their coy looks–using movement to attract his attention, very smart.

But, now there was an underlying current to it all. Now that the Shiz community had learned about his mysterious crush, a new buzz sat in the air as his peers tried to work out who it was–and more importantly, if it was them. The attention was delicious, as usual, and Fiyero basked in it like it was the sun. The chatter was exciting Fiyero, who was the only one who knew the truth about his crush. It was a bit exciting, even if he also wished he could have some more privacy in wooing Boq.

The whole debacle was providing for some wonderful hilarity. Everyone was trying to act like they hadn’t read this article–and subtlety was not a strength of Shiz’s.

Fiyero always welcomed a challenge. He held his head up high like normal with his bouquet of tulips. He’d picked it this morning after a garden trot with Feldspur. The bulk of the bouquet was orange, but he’d made sure to get a few that were red and a few that were pink to balance the mix.

A number of different people waved hello at him, but all eyes darted between him and that bouquet. The question hanging in the air was apparent. Fiyero reveled in it all.

He took his seat in the back row of Monsieur Farrow’s class, shocked that he was here before Boq, but no matter. Perhaps he’d had a late start this morning, or gotten stuck in the library, for he was usually so punctual to everything. Maybe–

“Um, Prince–uh–Fiyero, sir?” A nervous voice said.

Fiyero turned to the sound of the voice. A brown-haired boy was standing in front of him, hands behind his back. From nearby, Fiyero could see a group of students (presumably said boy’s friends) watching their interaction.

“Yes, dear?” Fiyero asked.

The boy swayed a bit back and forth. “I was–um, just wondering, if you had brought those flowers for someone…uh, specific?”

Fiyero twirled the bouquet in his hands. “I did, and aren't they lovely? They have all sorts of flowers at the gardens here. Have you ever been?”

“Uh, no, I haven’t–,”

“You really must go sometime; it’s quite lovely,” Fiyero nonchalantly said. “I’m sure I’m not supposed to take any of the flowers, but you won’t tell, of course?”

“N-no, definitely not.”

“Perfect! I’ve got nothing to worry about then.”

Finally, Boq made an appearance. His arms were braced underneath a stack of books, maybe four or five, making Fiyero think his library theory had been correct. He rushed into the seat next to Fiyero. The books slammed down as he took his book bag off and got his notes out. Boq made hasty work of pushing the books to the corner of the desk, sprawling his writing utensils and paper on the desk, and then organizing everything into place for class.

“And good morning to you.”

Slightly panting, Boq snapped up to look at Fiyero with those charming brown eyes. “Hi,” he breathed out.

Fiyero handed the bouquet over to him.

Automatically and without thinking, Boq accepted the bouquet. He held them to his chest, paying them no mind, as he finished setting up his desk. Finally, “Thank you–,” A beat of silence. Boq stared right at the bouquet, confusion evident. He furrowed his brow and looked questioningly at Fiyero. “What are these for?”

Fiyero shrugged and leaned back in his seat. “I thought you’d like them.”

“Oh,” he exhaled. Boq reinspected the tulips and a grin grew on his face. He closed his eyes and sniffed a few of them. “These are fresh, too! Thank you, Fiyero; I really like them.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Boq’s eyes nervously darted around his desk. Soon enough, he was engineering a makeshift stand for the flowers out of his books and bag. He gingerly set the bouquet up so it wouldn’t tip over and fall. Happy with it, he looked back to Fiyero again with that sheepish smile. “Thanks Fiyero,” he said, a little quiet.

“But of course.” There was a sort of warm feeling blossoming in Fiyero’s chest. He liked it.

Then, Boq’s gaze moved forward. Fiyero followed it to look up at the boy he’d forgotten was here.

“Is this a friend of yours?”

The boy looked utterly gobsmacked for some reason. Weird.

“I suppose, though I realize I haven’t caught his name yet.”

“Settle down, students!”

Looks like Fiyero wasn’t going to learn it either. Monsieur Farrow, Alchemy professor, swept into the room with his billowing caped outfit. It worked well on his short stature, just below five feet if Fiyero had to guess. The professor beelined for the projector.

“Lots of fascinating material to cover. Everyone, to your seats, please!”

The boy jumped out of his stupor and ran off to his seat. Boq seemed none the wiser of the odd stares he was now getting from the student body. Fiyero was really starting to enjoy himself.

Maybe this Shiz article was a good thing.

Fiyero took it all back. This article was malarkey. How did he know? Because this entire school was stupid and dense .

The rest of Fiyero’s week had gone a little something like this:

Fiyero tries to hang out with Boq, fellow students get in the way, Fiyero manages to dodge them, the students get in the way again , Fiyero dodges them again , Fiyero finally succeeds in spending time with Boq, Fiyero attempts to woo Boq, Boq has no idea, the entire school thinks Fiyero is just friendly, the cycle repeats.

He was going insane.

Right now, they were at the archery range. Boq had expressed an interest in learning archery, but that it was a very uncommon skill to learn in Munchkinland as it was more a hunting practice. Fiyero, the expert archer that he was, saw the perfect opportunity to teach Boq by (1) getting unnecessarily in his personal space, (2) helping Boq with his form as an excuse to touch him, and (3) getting to savor when Boq would inevitably blush from this. It also gave Fiyero the opportunity to teach Boq something for once rather than the other way around. Boq typically recapped all the lectures Fiyero didn’t pay attention to (he just made it so much easier to understand! Though, this could have something to do with Fiyero liking the sound of Boq’s voice). All this to say, it gave Fiyero a gratuitous amount of self-satisfaction to watch Boq animatedly hang off every word he said, which was typical, but there was a new admiration to it as Fiyero assumed this teacherly role.

And it had been going great, exactly to plan as Fiyero thought it would, until a gaggle of students descended upon them like vultures.

They’d tried to be subtle, but as mentioned earlier, subtle was not something Shiz could pull off.

One of the braver girls of the aforementioned gaggle started talking to Fiyero about form and archery and– honestly, who cared?

“I think I just have trouble knowing how to hold the bow…,” she pouted. She, and the few other loiterers of mixed company, all had bows in hand and arrow quivers over their shoulders, and Fiyero wondered how much he should fear for his safety.

Boq, meanwhile, was busying himself with practicing shots behind Fiyero, which Fiyero did not appreciate. Fiyero was supposed to be helping him!

But then, genius struck.

As Boq lowered his bow, Fiyero grabbed his arm and pulled him over. Fiyero took the same arm and wrapped it around Boq’s shoulder. He could see Boq turn his head between himself and the gaggle.

“Well, I’ve been teaching Boq here, and they say those who can do, teach.” Fiyero was positive they did not say that. “Why don’t I have Boq here help you?” Fiyero flashed a grin, one that only he knew was fake.

The girl did her best to hide her shock, but again, Shiz was what? Yes, bad at that. She pulled her bow slightly closer to her. Suddenly, the gaggle seemed very uninterested in being here. “Oh, I–uh, wouldn’t want to impose. I’m sure I’ll figure it out,” she dismissed.

Fiyero, entirely innocent, pinched his eyebrows and tilted his head. “Are you sure? I’m sure Boq would find it no trouble.”

In a whisper, Boq said, “Fiyero, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why?” Fiyero responded at full volume. “It’s not like you’re not capable.”

Boq squirmed a little. Fiyero pulled him closer and directed his attention to Girl 1.

“So, how ‘bout it?”

She blinked rapidly. “Um–I’m okay. But, thank you so much…for the offer.” She lightly curtsied before her and the gaggle tucked their metaphorical tails and scurried off.

Fiyero smiled to himself. Really, quite an impressive performance from him. The benefits of dancing through life. But, for whatever reason, Boq looked quite distressed.

Fiyero took his arm back. “What’s wrong?”

Boq pursed his lips before dilly-dallying back to his post in front of the target. He wouldn't quite look at Fiyero. “You realize she wanted you to teach her, right?”

“Sure, but I don’t quite think it matters. A teacher is a teacher, no?”

“Not like that,” Boq said gently, shaking his head. He fiddled with the bowstring before lining up for another shot. “She wanted you to teach her so the two of you could go and have a moment. I think she was flirting with you.”

Two things were running through Fiyero’s head. First off, what unbelievableness. Boq could recognize that Girl 1 was flirting with Fiyero through archery, but couldn't see–in the same breath–how that was exactly what Fiyero was doing to him? Impossible. What did Fiyero ever do to receive such treatment? He’s always been so nice!

More important matters were at hand, though. Namely that Boq sounded…

Sad.

It was in how he carried himself, too. His shoulders a little slumped, his head hanging low, his eyes pointed down. Boq was sad? Over Fiyero telling her no?

“Is something the matter?” Fiyero asked, concerned.

Boq looked at Fiyero with a slightly pained expression. Fiyero was thoroughly confused.

“You’re not doing this…because of me, are you?”

Admittedly not what Fiyero had been expecting. He tilted his head. “Doing what because of you?”

Boq sighed. “I don’t know, just– stuff like that, I guess. Saying no to people who are trying to flirt with you. And I know you know she was flirting with you.” He whispered that last line.

An onset of nervousness (he thinks it’s nervousness) was hitting Fiyero. What was Boq talking about? Why was he so bothered that Fiyero wasn’t ‘flirting’? Clearly Boq hadn’t caught on to the obvious–along with the rest of the school–but why would that offend him?

In an effort to catch his words, Fiyero said, “I, truth be told, don’t understand what’s wrong with telling her no. I’m not interested in her.”

“Yeah, but it’s like that with everyone now, and I’m just–,” he took in a deep breath, “–worried.”

“Worried that I’m…?”

Boq pursed his lips. “I’m worried you’re sabotaging yourself.”

Fiyero’s eyebrows shot up. “Sabotaging myself?” A short laugh escaped him. “From what? Spending time with people I don’t want to spend time with?”

The way things were going, Boq was going to cry. Boq sniffled, blinking rapidly in what Fiyero guessed was an attempt not to cry. He sighed, again.

Something was tugging in Fiyero’s chest. His throat felt dry. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden?

After a pause that was much too long for Fiyero’s comfort, Boq spoke.

“You remember that article the Gazette wrote about you and your crush?“ His eyes were pointed up toward the sky. Boq laughed in that sort of self-deprecating way. “Of course you do; it was about you,” he muttered. He looked at Fiyero. “Well, anyway, I get that now the whole school is trying to find out who you like, but if you feel the need or something to keep hanging out with me–,”

Fiyero’s ears must be deceiving him.

“–I just want you to know that you don’t have to.” Boq shyly smiled, and it did nothing to soothe Fiyero. “I wouldn’t want your romantic endeavors to suffer because you keep spending all your time with me. Which is very nice of you–,” he added hastily. “But I wouldn’t want to get in the way of you and your, uh, mystery crush.”

Though Boq’s ramble seemed to be finished, Fiyero’s brain was working overtime to process what in the Land of Oz he just heard. Not only was Boq unaware of Fiyero’s crush, but he now thought Fiyero was sacrificing pursuing his crush to spend time with Boq. Oh, the irony.

And the stupidity. He’d thought Boq was free of it, but it must be a Shiz-wide sickness. A Shizness, or a Shickness? No, that all sounded terrible. Scratch that.

“With love, Boq, what in Ozma’s name are you talking about?”

Boq looked taken aback (which was so unfair because Fiyero is the one who should be acting taken aback, thank you). “I just assumed that you’d want to go pursue your crush. Ya know, ‘cause you said you had ‘big plans’,” he said with air quotes. Boq nervously gripped the bow. His knuckles were white. “I wouldn’t want to be getting in the way of them for any reason.”

Fiyero narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. “Right, and how would you be doing that?”

“...Well, I haven’t seen you really hang out with anyone else recently. I’m not trying to monopolize your time or anything.”

“Yes, but I do have free will. Could I not simply–,” Fiyero gestured vaguely, “–do something else if I wanted?”

“Of course– yeah!” Boq was floundering. As he deserved for doubting Fiyero. “It’s just, if you feel required or anything to hang out with me, you don’t have to.”

An amount of residual frustration that Fiyero was suppressing was still present. The nervousness, which Fiyero couldn’t place why he had, was still bubbling about. But it was being slowly replaced by calm amusement.

“Boq.”

Said Munchkin nervously looked around.

“...Yes?”

“When do I ever do what’s required of me?”

“...Never?”

“Very correct.” He walked over and wrapped an arm around Boq’s shoulder. Fiyero began walking them back towards the dorms. Apologies to whoever had to clean the archery range they were leaving behind. As they walked, Fiyero continued, “So, what exactly about my behavior makes you believe I’m only hanging out with you so much because of necessity?”

“Um, I– uh, well…

“An itemized list, if  you could.”

He could feel Boq’s shoulders rising and falling. “‘Cause… you’re you,” Boq admitted. Softly, he said, “And I’m me.”

One of these days, Fiyero was going to find Boq some self-confidence. “Yes, and isn’t that a marvelous thing? It’d be quite boring if we were the same, wouldn’t it?”

“I–I guess, yeah, that’d be kinda weird. If we were the same.”

Fiyero smiled down at Boq. “So what would me being me and you being you have to do with it?”

Boq’s face pinched in thought. “Nothing, I suppose.”

“Precisely. See, aren’t we so good at this?” That got Fiyero a laugh, finally . The back of his neck gained a tinge of warmth. “So, would you believe me when I say I’m hanging out with you so much because I want to?”

Like a scolded kid, Boq sheepishly nodded. “Yes.”

Fiyero unwrapped himself from Boq, taking a few easy long strides to pass in front of him. “Good. I’m glad we got that squared away.”

“I–I’m sorry.”

Stopping, Fiyero spun on his heels, hands in his pockets, to face Boq. “Sorry for what?” If he was going to say something stupid like existing , Fiyero was going to rip that bow out of his hands and break it straight down the middle.

“For saying that you would only be hanging out with me because you had to, or something. That was rude of me. I mean, it’s rude of me to say about you because I’m trying to speak for you, which I can’t do, obviously, ‘cause like you just said I’m not you and–,”

“Completely forgiven.” Boq rants about books were much cuter than this sorry tale.

Boq smiled in relief. First real smile Fiyero’s seen since the gaggle. “Good. Th–that’s good.”

Fiyero smirked back before turning to continue walking. He heard Boq’s footsteps follow. “Besides, despite what you may think, my plans are going perfectly as designed.”

“Playing the ‘admire-from-afar’ part for a bit?” Boq jogged to catch up with him, beaming now. “Not a bad strategy. Gives you some time to think about what to do.”

“I’ve done nothing of the sort.”

Boq frowned, or more pouted. “How many hours are in your day?”

“The same 26 that everyone’s got.”

“But then, how have you had any time to woo your crush?”

“I’m a great multitasker.” And he was. Disguising his wooing as a regular hangout. Fiyero’s genius was unmatched.

“If you say so.”

Funny, Fiyero has heard that before.

Of course, all good things must come to an end when you’re Prince Fiyero Tigelaar in attendance at Shiz. In comparison, the second time the school’s collective consciousness decided to impede on his wooing Boq storyline wasn’t nearly as egregious now that Fiyero and Boq’s little misunderstanding had been cleared. Still very annoying.

Just like before, everything had been going dreamily. They were in the library this time. Apparently, they had an essay to work on for Dr. Dillamond’s class, but Fiyero was planning on doing it a week from now when it was actually due (that is, if he did it at all).

Boq though, the ever studious (which made sense since he was on partial scholarship here; apparently, despite lumber workers being much rare in Munchkinland, they still didn’t make enough money to compete with the Shiz tuition), wanted to get started right away.

So now they were in the library, taking books off of spinning shelves and checking registers to see where all the books Boq needed were.

Where did Fiyero come into all this? So glad you asked.

Fiyero’s job was a simple, but vital one. Using the advantages of his height (and the disadvantages, one could say, of Boq’s even when Fiyero found their height difference quite pleasant), Fiyero was here to take down any books that were ever so slightly out of reach for Boq’s outstretched hands. It gave Fiyero a wonderful excuse to slightly tower and crowd Boq as the other boy pointed to whatever titles he needed. Plus, Boq seemed to have a thing for people doing things for him, though it also seemed he was entirely unaware of it. He was so very thankful when anyone did anything for him, no matter how small, and would blabber on about how nice it was of them to do that, and whatnot. Now, Fiyero was pulling all that attention for himself. What remarkable intellect he possessed.

As the two made their way around the library, some waved at them politely and others flat-out stared. His favorite had been someone who waved, took their glasses off, cleaned them, and then put them back on to reinspect what they were looking at.

But, once again , this school suffered from the same illness Boq did called ‘can’t-believe-that-Fiyero-would-like-Boq’ syndrome. A cure needed to be found at once.

Just like archery, a slurry of different people came by to talk to them. Embarrassingly, it seemed none of them did their research.

“Hi Fiyero.”

Fiyero looked up from his current view (watching Boq furiously flip between pages and take notes for his essay) to see a boy standing at the edge of their table. From the corner of his eye, he saw Boq momentarily look up before immediately returning to his essay.

The boy had a sort of ash-blonde hair and a beauty mark on his cheek. Many people would define him as hot. Normally, Fiyero would be one of those people. But right now, all Fiyero thought of him was bothersome .

Fiyero flashed a smile. “Hello there.”

The boy was giving Fiyero a serious case of bedroom eyes. It, unfortunately for mystery man, had the opposite effect. “Are you working on the essay for Dillamond’s class?”

“Not in the slightest,” Fiyero said with ease.

Any shock on the boy’s part was quickly covered up. “Really? Here to dance in the library again then?” he said in a flirtatious manner.

Why must conversations be so long? “Not today,” Fiyero said with a slight chuckle. Lowering his voice ever so gently, he said, “I have much nobler intentions.” So, Fiyero added a little of his own teasing intonation. A little fun was no harm.

And the way he saw Boq still the smallest amount at that was interesting, very interesting indeed.

“Really?” the boy dragged on. “And what would those be?”

Fiyero beckoned him to lean in. The boy followed. Boq was still in Fiyero’s peripheral trying his best not to stare.

When the boy leaned in enough, Fiyero whispered with hooded eyes, “I’m going to watch Boq write his essay for Dillamond’s class.” Boq’s head popped up fully this time. 

This time, the boy did terribly at trying to show his shock. “...Really?” His flirtiness was starting to slip as he hesitantly stood up straight again.

“Yep!” Fiyero joyously proclaimed. “You’re welcome to join us.”

The boy nervously exhaled. “I’m…actually a little busy right now.” His eyes darted to Boq, who stared back innocently. “You guys have fun, though.”

“If you insist.”

Soon enough, the boy hurried off.

“Pst!”

Fiyero returned his attention to Boq. He was smiling, but…he looked slightly uncomfortable at the same time. As a sort of undertone.

“Was that–,” he jutted his head in the direction the boy had disappeared to, “–ya know?”

“Who knows?”

“You know!” he whisper-shouted. “The crush ,” he added.

Fiyero snickered. “Him? Don’t be ridiculous.”

Boq’s face scrunched up. Still whispering, he said, “What was so bad with that guess?”

“Well, for starters, it was wrong.”

“That’s the point of a guess!”

“Yes, and you also missed the more general point, it seems.”

Boq’s shoulders dropped. “Whatever,” he muttered. “Be mysterious.”

One of Fiyero’s eyebrows raised in amusement. “Is someone a little upset they don’t know who my crush is?”

Boq bristled. “No!” he said adamantly. And then, “Okay, maybe a little. I totally respect you not wanting to tell me–of course, totally your choice–,”

He was adorable. Fiyero wanted to dishevel him. Publicly wouldn’t have been his first choice, but whatever worked.

“–but I can’t believe I haven’t figured it out yet!” Boq crossed his arms in lighthearted frustration. “We’ve spent so much time together recently; I’ve seen almost everyone you’ve interacted with. But I feel like you’ve just been normal with everyone.”

Ah, Boq, the sweet little Munchkin that he was. So pure. So dumb.

Boq rested his head on his hand, his cheek slightly squishing as a result. “Maybe I’m just not as observant as I thought.”

Fiyero hummed. How amusing. “Perhaps I’m hiding in plain sight.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Boq said, unfocused. He shot up straight. “Unless you’re saying that to throw me off…or maybe you think that I think you’re saying that to throw me off, which means you’re not, and I am missing the obvious, or, maybe–,” He started muttering to himself for another minute before he hastily returned to his essay, muttering still. “Wait, what am I saying? Dr. Dillamond’s class waits for no one.”

Fiyero watched in bliss. Even as other students trickled by, and Fiyero made polite talk, and Boq continued his misguided guessing, it brought a tingling, warm sort of fuzzy feeling to Fiyero’s chest. Despite his natural distaste of libraries, they were growing on him. The quiet, the calm, the serenity. Boq’s obsession with reading about everything that’s out there in the world. His excitement, his smiles, and the way–weird as it may be–that he loosened up here like other students did at the Ozdust.

He hoped days like this would last forever. Wouldn’t that be the dream?

Chapter Text

Even when dreaming though, one must eventually wake up. The school, in all their infinite wisdom, struck again shortly after. For those counting, this is now the third offense done personally against him. This whole school was lying to Fiyero: they all actually hated him. It was the only explanation.

The last few days had actually been peaceful. People randomly coming up to him, though an always present constant, had decreased recently. The student body seemed to gather that he had no intentions on revealing anything about his crush and were finally gossiping and staring at him the regular amount again.

Then the Gazette happened. Because of course it did.

Naturally, no one was going to just hand it to Fiyero. But the whispers around him were once again different, charged with questions and a dwelling excitement. With that, and this crush business, only one real explanation.

So, using his expert charm and slight of hand abilities, Fiyero managed to snag one from someone. Some might call that stealing, but it was a free paper about himself. If anyone should be allowed to take it, it should be him.

All things considered, this title wasn’t as bad.

Confusion Continues On Prince Fiyero’s Crush! Admiring From Afar?!

Still pretty terrible though. He continued reading.

The topic on everyone’s mind is–you guessed it–still on everyone’s mind! In an issue from a little over a week ago, we discovered that the amazeling Prince Fiyero supposedly has a crush on a fellow student. This unprecedented revelation sent shockwaves through Shiz, and it’s no secret that everyone’s been trying to figure it out.

Anonymous reports given to the Shiz Gazette, though, have miraculously come up dry. Despite the school’s attention to this issue, it seems Fiyero’s attitude towards his crush is more elusive than we would’ve assumed. After the bold romance with Galinda, we at the Shiz Gazette expected more overt displays of romance, but–strangely–things have stayed relatively quiet.

Since the crush revelation, Fiyero has primarily been spotted in the companionship of a Munchkin student who anonymous informers tell us is named Boq Woodsman. Little other information was found about him (but standing next to the great Fiyero, who could compare?). Fiyero has also been found out at the archery range (so talented), the horse stables (who could forget his impressive steed?), and the gardens (what lucky flowers).

Given that most of his activities seem to be no different from before the news of his crush broke, we at the Shiz Gazette think it’s safe to assume that Fiyero is playing the long game, beginning by admiring from afar before finally deciding to make his move! An ultra wise plan, of course, as it allows Prince Fiyero to gather insight on the object of his affection.

It also may be possible that the dazzlefied Prince may be trying to hide his feelings. One student details how Prince Fiyero gave away a bouquet of flowers to the aforementioned Munchkin friend despite having said the flowers were picked for someone “special”. Why the Prince feels the need to distract from his crush in this way is still to be determined!

Make sure to tune in for the next issue of the Shiz Gazette for all your updates on the Shiz Universi-tea!

Wow. To think that this legally classified as literature.

The title of this article may have been better (marginally), but the content was–somehow–so much worse. Insinuating he had given Boq the bouquet to avoid giving it to someone else? Assuming that all their time together was purely platonic? Why must everyone at this school suffer with such density? At this point, Fiyero thinks he could make-out with Boq in the quad and everyone would still think it was a ploy for some different, non-defined lover.

Which wasn't a bad idea, but he doubted Boq would appreciate it.

So, when in doubt of what to do, Fiyero talked to the person with the most sensible head on their shoulders.

And right now that head was undignifiablely eating a bucket of hay while Fiyero poured his heart out about this article. Honestly.

“Feldspur, are you even listening to me?”

Feldspur’s head popped up with a mouthful of strands and grass sticking off his face. “I’m listening. I can multitask, you know.”

Fiyero was unamused. “Yes, I can see how much care and thought you’re giving to this.”

“Well, my apologies, your highness.” Oh, and now Feldspur was sassing him. Why had Fiyero come here again? “I suppose I just don’t see what you’re complaining about.”

“What’s not to complain about with this?” Fiyero said, waving the offending piece of paper. “It’s completely ludicrous! Completely inaccurate, to start, and rude as well. Do you see this? Who could compare to the great Fiyero? It’s utter lunacy. And–and this bouquet nonsense! I couldn’t have been any more clear that they were for Boq, but no – the Shiz Gazette thinks I gave them to him as a cover. I mean, seriously?”

Feldspur hummed. “The language of the article is certainly strong.” Finally, some actual feedback. “Whomever these writers are at the Shiz Gazette must be fans of yours. But I see no reason that the opinion of one article should hold any bearing on your efforts with Boq.”

“But what if he reads this?” Fiyero countered. “Actually, no, I’m sure he’s read it because he read the last one. I can’t imagine he’ll feel too good about this article.”

“Perhaps, but that’s why words of encouragement exist. In fact, perhaps your confession would provide him some confidence.” Feldspur chuckled and tossed his head back. “After all, who wouldn’t be comforted by knowing the great Fiyero is romantically interested?”

Why must Feldspur make these jokes? “I can’t do that,” Fiyero stated. Honestly, what was this horse thinking?

“And why not?”

Fiyero blinked at him. When Feldspur didn’t indicate he was joking, Fiyero scoffed. “Because we’re in the flirting stage. We’re nearly approaching the end of it, but we’re not there yet.”

“And why is that?”

Fiyero couldn’t believe this. Well, this must be what he gets for asking a horse about human ‘mating rituals’ (as Feldspur would call them). “Because we haven’t left the flirting stage! I just said that. Do I need to get a doctor down here to check your ears?”

Feldspur rolled his eyes. His hooves clacked as he readjusted in his stall. “Yes, yes, so you’ve said. But why are you still in the flirting stage? You’ve given him flowers, you’ve taught him archery, you spent time with him in the library. Most people would ask him on a date at this point.”

“Well, I’m not most people,” Fiyero pointed out. He crossed his arms. Some might call it childish. He called it a stance against verbal mockery.

“No, you’re not, young prince. But it is quite unlike you to drag this on for so long.”

It’s like Feldspur wanted him to be upset. “I am not dragging anything out!”

Feldspur hit him with a look, a kind of look he used to give Fiyero after Fiyero ate grass when he wasn’t supposed to.

Fiyero stood up a little straighter. Was it a little warm in here? “The flirting is fun,” he eventually said. “Why not enjoy it for a bit?”

“Let me ask you a very fair question, Fiyero.”

Fiyero puffed his chest out in preparation.

“What are you planning to do, exactly, at the end of all this flirting?”

He blinked, eyes darting around a little. “Well…ask him on a date. Obviously.” He hummed. “Perhaps teach him horse riding because he doesn’t know how to do that either.”

Feldspur had a twinkle in his eye that Fiyero was not liking. His nearly pompous tone was unnecessary. “So, let me make sure I have all the facts. You are flirting with Boq with the hopes of asking him on a date at the end of all this, yes? You can’t ask him on a date yet because you’re still, as you say, in the flirting stage, though you seem to also have no ideas as to when that stage ends. It also seems to me, given Boq’s disposition, that he has no clue over your affections, meaning you are in complete control over this amorphous flirting stage you’ve mentioned.”

Fiyero was really beginning to regret coming here. It’s like Feldspur was talking in a way on purpose to make Fiyero look bad. And upset him. That too.

“Furthermore–,”

There was more ?

“–it looks to me, and I could be wrong, but it seems that you’re enjoying flirting with Boq because he has no idea. It’s almost like you’re enjoying flirting with no strings attached, and a sentimental fellow like Boq will never read that as romantic interest from you. So, really, your flirting may be having the opposite effect.”

Now wait a minute–

“So, why not offer that horse riding lesson now?”

“Okay, hold on, hold on!” Fiyero felt admonished. Heartwrenched. Betrayed. “Tell me how you really feel,” he mumbled. To Feldspur, he said, “What is so wrong about wanting to take my time with this? You are always telling me I need to be more patient, Fiyero and stop rushing things, Fiyero !” He pointed right in Feldspur’s unbelievable face. “You, if anything, should be proud that I’ve been so patient, hm? Honestly, I can’t believe what I’m hearing right now.”

Fiyero turned so that his back was to Feldspur. He hadn’t been this upset with him in a while, but right now, Fiyero was just fed up. He had come here to rant about an article, and instead, got a lecture about how he was being rude?

A little quieter, and more serious than he almost ever is, he said, “Frankly, I find it very insulting that you would say I’m enjoying doing this because there’s no strings.” He faced Feldspur once more. “I actually really like Boq, for your information, and I don’t appreciate the insinuation that I’m treating this like some sort of game.”

Feldspur had the decency to look a little ashamed. A slight standstill stayed between them before Feldspur said, “I do apologize for that, Fiyero. Perhaps my choice of wording was off.” At least he admits it. “I only mean that, if you know Boq likes you, why not ask him on that date now? I do sincerely believe that Boq would appreciate that, even if you do find your flirting fun.”

“I appreciate and accept your apology, Feldspur. But, still, I can’t just ask Boq out.”

“Because?”

Truthfully, Fiyero didn’t know why. Something in him was just saying not yet and bad idea and don’t regret this . That voice was not appreciated.

“You do know that Boq likes you back, don’t you?”

Huh. Maybe that was it.

Fiyero, his voice nervous and high-pitched, said, “No? Not…really? I–I mean–,” He was going to say I think he does .

And then he realized.

Does he?

Feldspur’s jaw dropped just slightly in shock. For a horse, it was a funny picture. “Tell me you’re joking.”

In a few seconds, anger had turned into embarrassment. Two rare Fiyero feelings back to back. This was unprecedented. And upsetting. Fiyero opened his mouth before he closed it again, hoping he didn’t look as goldfish-y as he felt.

Feldspur’s head dropped down. Then Fiyero heard it.

Laughing. What a despicable individual.

“Feldspur!”

Barely making the words out, Feldspur said, “I’m– sorry, Fiyero, but– but–,” he took a break to laugh some more. Fiyero was unamused.

When he’d collected himself enough, Feldspur said, “I simply can’t believe you’ve done all this and don’t know if he likes you back.”

The need to defend himself arose. “Well– hey, wait a second, what am I supposed to do? Oh, hi Boq, like anyone recently? Any princes from the Vinkus territory, perhaps ? How am I supposed to get that information if not through flirting?”

Feldspur shot him a skeptical glance. “Wouldn’t that only work if Boq is aware that you’re flirting with him? And therefore, can choose to reciprocate or not?”

“But, what if he doesn’t?” Perhaps the dumbest thing Feldspur had ever said. “How am I supposed to let him know I’m flirting with him if I don’t know he likes me back? ‘Cause if he knows I am flirting, and then he doesn’t flirt back, now I know he doesn’t like me, and now he knows I liked him, and now we both know I just got rejected? What then?”

Oh no.

Oh, no, no, no.

He sounded like Boq.

Fiyero had such affection for Boq, but Boq was Boq and Fiyero was Fiyero as Fiyero had so eloquently pointed out at archery. Why was he so nervous? What cruel trick was this?

…Was this why people hated crushes so much?

Mystery number two, put together. He wishes he could unput it.

He took little solace in knowing he was better at figuring things out then Shiz.

“Sweet Ozma,” he finally said. He put a hand to his forehead. “I’m going to be sick. I am. This is terrible. I hate this. Why would you do this to me?”

“Do what?”

“Spread enlightenment! Give wisdom! Be generally you!” This was all Feldspur’s fault. Now Fiyero had realized things he couldn’t un realize. That’s why Feldspur’s name starts with an F. ‘Cause he’s just another cruel mistress like Fate, Fiyero was sure of it.

Oh no. His name started with an F too. Was he just naturally doomed?

“Your highness, you seem to be–as humans, I believe, call it–spiraling.”

He pointed a shaky finger at Feldspur from his position leaning over the stall’s door. “You. I don’t want to hear another word from you.”

Feldspur only rolled his eyes.

Fiyero groaned. “Good grief. What am I going to do?”

“My original suggestion of asking him out on a date still stands.”

“I thought I told you to stop talking.”

Feldspur stomped a little on the ground in his sign of protest. “Oh, please. If you know Boq likes men, even if you don’t know if he likes you, there’s a very high chance that he’d accept going on a date with you. Your success rate does sit at an impressive 100 percent.”

The gears in Fiyero’s brain had stopped working. Like the wide-eyed idiot he fears he may be now, he breathes out, “I didn’t even think about that.”

“...Think about what?”

Fiyero wasn’t this dumb, was he?”

“Fiyero.” A warning tone.

Oh, no. He is, isn’t he?

 “You do know if Boq likes men, don’t you?”

Mortified, Fiyero met Feldspur’s eye and shook his head no.

Feldspur sighed. “That would put a dent in things.”

Covering his face with his hands, Fiyero groaned, “What in the Wiz’s name am I going to do?”

“Well, starting by finding out if Boq likes men is a good place to start.”

Fiyero didn’t want to.

“It’s time to be brave, Fiyero. No one likes a coward.”

Defeated, Fiyero said, “I know.”

And he did. Because unfortunately, Feldspur was right. As per usual.

The bastard.

Fiyero had agonized over this for the better part of six hours. His mid-morning talk with Feldspur had been filled with terrifying revelations, more terrifying revelations, and then the disparaging knowledge that, in the realms of crushes, Fiyero may be an idiot. He’ll have to put his genius title on hold for now.

In a way, it made sense that Fiyero was–dare he say it–bad at this. He’d never seriously pursued someone before.

But not even knowing if his crush liked men. That…that was low.

Boq and him were back in the library. Apparently, Boq had another essay. (Didn’t he just finish Dillamond’s? Give his Boq a break.) He wanted to start collecting references for it and had asked Fiyero to come along to help him get books “if it wouldn’t be too much trouble” .

And when he’d said it with that puppy dog look, well, how could Fiyero refuse?

Except, now, he was sort of wishing he had refused. The push and pull between wanting to be around Boq because of his crush and not wanting to be around Boq because of his crush was both palpable and confusing.

Fiyero was doing his best to act natural, but it was like everything Boq did now had a new adverse effect on him. Everytime their fingers brushed, it was like a mark was being left on him, now too aware of where they’d made contact. The close proximity Fiyero had pushed earlier in the week, looming over Boq, was coming back to bite him because now he had to keep the close distance or Boq would know something was up. He smelled of florals, and Fiyero was getting dizzy. Even looking Boq in the eye was oddly overwhelming, and if hearts could burst, Fiyero felt he was dangerously close.

But Fiyero refused–absolutely, positively refused–to let Boq see any of that. He didn’t want Boq to think he’d done something wrong resulting in Fiyero’s attitude change. Besides, if Fiyero’s nervousness about what he was about to ask came out at all, the metaphorical cat would be out of the bag much too soon.

When they’d finally sat at a table, Fiyero decided to take the leap.

“Say, Boq,” he started as casually as possible. Boq gave him his full attention. “With all this talk of crushes that’s been going around, I realized, I don’t know much about your types or anything like that.”

Boq tinged slightly pink, and Fiyero pushed out of his mind how it was a good look on him. “Oh. Um, I guess I’ve never really…given it much thought before.”

“Really? None at all?” Fiyero said with an eyebrow raised. “C’mon, you can tell me.”

Boq was blushing harder by the minute. It was slightly encouraging. “Well…I liked Galinda.” He made a face. “So…blonde?”

“...Really?”

Boq quietly chuckled. “Yeah. You’re right. I don’t actually think I like blondes.” Either Fiyero was hallucinating, or Boq had locked eyes with him and quickly looked away. Promising.

“What about other crushes?” Fiyero said after a moment. “Any of your fellow Munchkins I should know about?”

He shook his head. “Not really. I didn’t have too many crushes growing up.”

That was surprising. “Seriously? Mister ‘carries-handkerchiefs-because-he-cries’ didn’t have crushes growing up?”

“I had a few,” Boq conceded. “But they faded pretty fast.” He shrugged. “Sometimes, you don’t really have a crush on someone; you only have a crush on who you think they are. And then they’re not that, so, the crush goes away.”

Any raised spirits in this conversation were subsequently lowered. What had Boq’s first impression been of him? Had he lived up to it? Was he immune of such statements?

“But, then again, I guess if I had to say my type…” He looked down in thought. A smile crept up on his face. Fiyero wasn’t sure Boq knew it was happening. “I guess I like people I can look up to.”

Fiyero was tall. But Boq probably meant it the other way, didn’t he?

“I like when there’s…something to admire. I admired Galinda’s poise, for instance. When I was a kid, there was this girl who could do all kinds of delicate crafts with her hands. I liked that about her, too.” Boq looked up to Fiyero. “A bit of a boring answer, I guess.”

Fiyero’s mouth felt dry. “Not at all.” He paused before adding, “It’s very you.”

A corner of Boq’s mouth pulled up. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should.” The air was a little stiller now. “It is.”

His eyes softened. “Thanks,” he all but whispered.

As if to distract himself, Boq busied himself with some writing. He looked as if he’d wanted to say something, but refrained. Probably something dumb about how Fiyero didn’t have to be with him right now or some other nonsense.

A sort of static was bubbling under Fiyero’s skin. Fiyero was admirable, right?

But was he admirable to Boq?

Boq was the one who was good at listening to people’s problems. He was the empathetic one. He was the one who always helped people if they asked, and who was there for every rant no matter how stupid, and who worked so hard and was so smart because of it.

And Fiyero was a slightly-reformed playboy with a knack for getting kicked out of university.

But he was also charming, and personable, and a good dancer and archer.

Was that enough?

Then again, none of that mattered if Boq didn’t like men.

With the tact of an elephant tiptoeing, Fiyero blurted–

“Do you only like women?”

This time, there was no gradual glow of blush. The red hit Boq in the face and fast. “Wh-what?”

Fiyero shrugged. He hoped he was the picture of calm, but every muscle felt tense. “You liked Galinda. And some Munchkin girl, apparently. Never had a crush on a man?”

Boq was blinking like a fish. Fiyero didn’t know if fish blinked at all, but if they did, Boq looked just like that. He was also stuttering an awful lot. That did not make Fiyero feel good.

“Um–I–well–,”

“It’s a yes or no question, Boq. Really, it’s no big deal. I’m simply curious.” Man, Fiyero was a good pretender. Perhaps he could add actor to his list of skills.

Boq responded to Fiyero’s statement by looking pointedly at his paper. Thankfully, it was a Saturday, so the library was empty save for them, otherwise Fiyero may not have heard Boq. “I think I could,” he mumbled. “If…it were the right guy.”

Relief flooded Fiyero.

And slight terror. Why must Boq phrase things as he does? ‘The right guy’–what does that even mean?

But the bigger issue was the paralyzed stance Boq was sitting in. Fiyero leaned over and gently flicked him on the forehead. Instinctively, Boq raised a hand up to where they’d made contact.

“Why do you look so afraid? It’s perfectly fine. Honestly, you look as if I’ve arrested you for some crime.”

When Boq finally looked up, and Fiyero could see his lip just barely quivering, a new level of panic set in. If Fiyero had known this would make Boq cry, he wouldn’t have asked.

Probably. (He, selfishly, did really want to know).

“You’re not…upset?”

“Why would I be upset?”

Boq sniffled. “It’s, uh, just– not really…liked back home.”

Right. Munchkinland was much more conservative than Vinkus County was. Diversity in Vinkus County helped with that, but Munchkinland was one of the largest, monolithic countries in Oz. It made sense they may be…slower to adopt new ideas. From what his advisors had told him, and what Feldspur had said after coming back from diplomatic visits there as transport, same-sex attraction was only legally accepted. Socially was still climbing up. But with the social atmosphere they had, who would want to legally exercise that right?

Speaking softly as to not frighten Boq, Fiyero said, “Boq, it doesn’t matter to me.”

Boq nodded, but Fiyero could tell he didn’t really believe him. He continued his efforts of distraction, rattling off, “Plenty of people like guys. I like a guy right now. It’s really no big deal. I could care less about the gender of whom you fancy.” But he hoped it was a guy. And that the guy was him. “A dance partner’s a dance partner.”

A hint of a smile crossed Boq’s face. “Yeah. I guess.” He stayed solemnly looking at the floor before his brow furrowed. He looked at Fiyero with an almost questioning gaze. Fiyero pondered what that was for. 

Nevertheless, the sitting position of the library removed Fiyero’s ability to employ strategy A of not making Boq cry (movement), so he moved to strategy C: distraction.

“Speaking of dancing, word is there’s another Ozdust dance tonight. We should go.”

“I don’t know if I can go,” Boq frowned.

“Why not?”

“I’ve got this essay, and–,”

“Oh, please,” Fiyero complained. “You got assigned this essay yesterday. It’s not due till Friday next week. You’ll have plenty of time to do it.”

Boq nervously bit his bottom lip, mulling his options. Fiyero, with his incredible willpower, did not look at Boq’s lips. Only a little, as a treat.

“ C’mon , Boq. It’ll be fun! We’ll go stag, we’ll drink too much. It’ll be a ‘hoot’. Isn’t that what you Munchkins call it?”

Boq laughed. “Yeah, maybe, if you’re my grandparent.” He pressed his lips together, Fiyero swallowed, and Boq shut his book (all in that order). “Okay, I’ll go.”

Fiyero smirked from ear to ear. “Perfect.”

And it was going to be.

Potentially.

Hopefully.

The Ozdust was a picture of perfection, as it always was. The oceanic scenery added a dynamic element to the locale, the endless movement motivating the inside players to keep up their dancing and their schemes. The band was playing a slapstick beat, determined to get everyone moving, and their plan was clearly working.

It was as if the whole student body was here, the way the room filled in. The punch had been spiked with something heavy, and it gave the slightest swimming feeling to Fiyero’s head. Boq even agreed to drink some, though he quickly regretted it and remarked it tasted awful.

They danced together, and while Boq looked a bit nervous about all the people he was bumping into and all the people bumping into him, he wore a wide smile that Fiyero did his best not to spend all his time staring at. A flush of pink sat high on his cheeks, and that plus the alcohol meant a lot of impure thoughts were running through Fiyero’s head. He pushed those down too. Some people came up to Fiyero, the crowd mingling together, but Fiyero always found his way back to Boq. The golden bow tie, his red vest, his white cuffs. Easy to spot him in a crowd. Just how Fiyero liked him.

But all of that paled in comparison to the amount of touching between them. All of the dancing and rocking and pushing meant they were constantly bumping into each other, hands flown out in an attempt to balance, and a blush had creeped up Fiyero’s neck. He wanted to kiss Boq so badly . To grab his face and smash their lips together and not care if the collide was awkward.

But he didn’t. Because despite everything, Fiyero still wasn’t sure if Boq liked him. And he refused to be wrong.

He didn’t fear Boq judging him. No one had more room in their heart than him. But Fiyero would know. Boq would know. They’d both know the unspoken truth that Fiyero wants more and Boq doesn’t, that Fiyero wants to fall asleep cuddled together and Boq doesn’t, that Fiyero wants to try something new and actually date someone and Boq doesn’t want that with him . Fiyero was sure he occupied space in that heart. He just wasn’t sure it was enough space. Fiyero didn’t just refuse to be wrong: he couldn’t allow it.

So, against everything, and the way the words rose in his throat and crawled around his head, he didn’t say it.

And then there were all the touches and the flushes and the smiles, and Fiyero needed a moment to breathe.

He excused himself from the dance floor to get a drink and found his way into a more secluded and very poorly lit corner. Leaning back, he hoped the mystery punch would give him enough confidence to finish the night. Fiyero wondered how long he’d feel this ache over this. It looked like forever.

“Fiyero?”

Fiyero turned from his view of the wall to the sound. He couldn’t visually make out who it was, but he’d recognize that voice anywhere in any form.

“Boq?”

Boq smiled, his cheeks rising. “What are you doing over here? Get tired from dancing?”

More like he got tired out from biting his tongue to stop himself from spilling out no, just tired of not being able to admit I think I love you . He smiled and nodded.

Boq walked over to stand in front of him. “You’re spending too much time in the library with me. You’re all out of shape.”

Fiyero let out a puff of laughter. He raised his drink to his mouth. “Never spending too much time with you.”

Boq smiled, but didn’t say anything. He just kept smiling at Fiyero. His eyes slowly skimmed over Fiyero’s face.

“Something wrong with my appearance?”

Boq shook his head, curls shaking. “Not at all. You look great.” And then, like an afterthought, he added, “As always.”

Fiyero raised an eyebrow. Interesting.

Boq turned a little, briefly looking over the dancefloor before turning back around. “You ever gonna tell me who this mystery crush is?”

“This again?” Fiyero laughed, ignoring the squeeze on his heart. “I think you’re becoming obsessed with that.”

“Heh. Maybe.” Boq scratched the back of his neck, and Fiyero wondered if everything was alright. He usually only did that when he was really nervous instead of average Boq levels of nervousness. “I was just thinking about it, and…”

Fiyero waited. “And?”

Boq shook his head. “Nevermind. It was a stupid thought. We should go back to dancing.”

“Now, hold on,” Fiyero said, a hint of amusement. “The great detective Boq who’s been hounding me about my crush is gonna give up?”

“I’m not giving up,” he amended. “I’m just– debating.”

“Debating what?”

Boq took a deep breath, looking up. “Well, you said you didn’t tell me because you had ‘plans’. And you’ve shot down every guess I’ve made.”

He took a step closer. The music was suddenly too loud.

“But you also said you’re not doing the from afar thing. And, well, I guess it got me thinking.”

The room grew smaller. Or Boq grew closer. One of the two.

“How could you be making a plan to flirt with someone close to you if no one we saw was your crush?”

This drink wasn’t doing nearly enough to distract him.

Boq’s face wore a pout of confusion. “I can only think of a few explanations for that, and none of them make sense. How could you not go after your crush?”

Fiyero did his best to wear an easy smile despite the shrinking size of his personal bubble and the slight smell of oak Boq had. “Perhaps you just haven’t thought enough about it.”

Boq shook his head. “No, that’s not it.” Quietly, he said, “I spend too much time thinking about it for it not to be enough.”

The fact it was impossible for a heart to beat out of its chest was Fiyero’s only current saving grace.

“Do you remember what you told me when you told me how I should break up with Nessa?”

Fiyero blinked. “Why, of course. It’s rude.” Anything more than short sentences, and Fiyero would short circuit.

“Yes, it is. But you told me I ‘deserve to have what I want’. And Nessa wasn’t what I wanted.”

He exhaled. “Yes, I remember that too.”

Boq’s eyes had a sort of faraway look in them, staring just past Fiyero but not really at him. They were close enough that Fiyero could breathe in Boq’s air. The dark lighting was both a curse and a blessing. It prevented him from hyperventilating, not being able to clearly see Boq and truly realize their current position. But Fiyero may not get this closeness again, and the best he was gonna get was his adjusted eyes and the dim backlighting. It didn’t do the picture justice.

“I’ve always admired your bravery–,”

Boq looked up to him.

“–and so I hope…even if this doesn’t work, you’ll be okay with it.”

“Boq, I–”

Wait, admired?

In seconds, Fiyero was jerked forward as his lips crashed against Boq’s. Whatever words he was going to say died and turned into a muffled moan. His eyes closed on autopilot, and his drink fell to the ground completely forgotten. Fiyero made fast work of burying a hand in Boq’s hair and placing the other on Boq’s back as Boq moved his lips against Fiyero’s. The idea that he’d have to come up for air crossed his mind, but Fiyero ignored it. Letting go wasn’t an option.

Soon after, Boq tilted his head, mouth opening just enough for Fiyero to deepen the kiss. He tasted just vaguely of that strange punch they’d had to drink, and Fiyero felt himself smile. Who knows what Fiyero was going to say before Boq cut him off? Probably something like “I think we should kiss right now”. Boq, what a fortune teller. What a wavelength they shared.

Boq was apparently being all kinds of bold as he slid a hand under Fiyero’s shirt. Warmth bloomed over everywhere that Boq touched.

If it meant having Boq, Fiyero would happily overheat.

They eventually evacuated the corner and made it back to Fiyero’s room, at an admittedly much slower pace than normal. Did Fiyero ever say how much he appreciated Shiz giving him a private room with nice, subtle lighting? What a lovely school. What brilliant people. What joy in the world.

Fiyero got to enjoy a lazy Sunday morning of waking up attached to Boq and complete bragging rights when he went to visit Feldspur later. Feldspur, the absolute bastard that he was, kept nipping at Fiyero’s shirt collar. The sentiment was not appreciated.

“I hope you don’t do this when we give Boq his riding lesson,” he’d told Feldspur.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Though I’m sure you have.”

“...Ya know, I really hate you sometimes.”

As Fiyero made his way back to the dorms with some more flowers in hand, he reveled in the memories of the night prior. Subconsciously acting in a way that made Boq make the first move yet still accomplishing his plan? An extraordinary move. Some might even call it genius.

And if a Shiz Gazette article blew by the wind into his hands, with a title that said–

Prince Fiyero caught making out at the Ozdust! Who was this mystery figure?!

Well, you can’t win them all.

Chapter Text

“Oh, sorry, that’s mine!” a voice shouted.

Fiyero looked up to see someone running, or more speedily shuffling, towards him. The meager amount of students in the quad made the other boy easy to spot. He had dark hair and a pair of Wiz-designed glasses on his face. Fiyero knew he was one of Galinda’s friends, or possible biggest fans, but he couldn’t remember his name. Something with an F, right? What was with all the F names at this school?

The boy had effectively scuttled up to him. From here, Fiyero could see he had one of those new-fangled quills that were all the range in the Uplands, or so he’d been told, tucked behind his ear. A self-refilling quill where the ink was directly attached in a sort of cartridge. Fascinating.

The boy’s eyes darted between Fiyero and the article that had blown into Fiyero’s hands. His face quickly cycled through the stages of grief. “Prince Fiyero,” he shuddered out. Fiyero smiled in return. “I am so, so sorry that you had to see such–,” he dramatically inhaled, “–defamation against you.”

The boy slyly reached for the paper, but Fiyero moved it just an inch out of his way, making a show of squinting at it. The boy wringed his hands, clearly nervous but trying to hide it.

“Defamation, you say? I haven’t had the chance to read it myself yet.”

Poorly, the boy attempted to cover his shock with a tight smile. “Well, there’s really no need to do that. In fact, I was–um, just on my way to throw that out, so I’d be more than happy to do that for you.” And then, “Or anything else, really.”

Fiyero playfully narrowed his eyes. “Really? Anything else?”

The boy nodded hastily.

“Then, you wouldn’t mind if I just…?” Fiyero reached up, past the boy’s glasses, and took the quill. The boy carefully watched every move Fiyero made.

And so, Fiyero got to reading.

Prince Fiyero caught making out at the Ozdust! Who was this mystery figure?!

That’s right! It happened! It seems Prince Fiyero Tigelaar of Winkie County has officially made his move!

This all happened last night at the Ozdust Ball. The Prince was there, showing off more incredible dance moves and alighting the room with his charm. But attendees noticed his sudden absence on the dance floor around halfway through the night. Originally thinking he’d had an early departure, students saw him leaving the Ozdust quickly after his disappearance. So what had he been doing in between these two events?!

The answer came to us just this morning from a variety of anonymous tips. The information was blurry, but we at the Shiz Gazette are dedicated to investigative journalism, and pieced together the mysterious night!

After Prince Fiyero’s leave from the dance floor, we believe he entered into some sort of dark alcove (one of many reasons that information was so askew!) to calmly sip his drink (who would want to spill their drink while dancing?). Another individual, shorter than Fiyero by our reports, approached him shortly after. The dim lighting of this part of the story along with the loud music makes it difficult to know exactly what occurred here, but let’s be honest – two school students in a dark place at a roaring party? What else could’ve happened! That’s right!

A make-out! (Scandilocious).

Whatever occurred in this alcove is truly a mystery, but based on our pieced-together recollection of the night, the Prince and this mystery person disappeared from the dance shortly after. What they got up to after, only they know…to our misfortune.

Will we find out who this mystery figure is? Was this person Prince Fiyero’s mysterious crush? And will the Shiz Gazette continue to report on it?

Only one thing is for sure: that last one is a yes! Tune in for the next update, coming to Shiz soon. Shiz Gazette out.

Huh. This one had actually been pretty accurate. Missing some details, obviously, but not bad. Perhaps the Gazette is more investigative than he assumed.

Then again, this was hardly news , so maybe he should be more skeptical.

And this friend of Galinda’s had just stood there and watched Fiyero read this whole thing. Fiyero should tell him to get hobbies.

“Terrible, right?” the boy eventually squeaked out, one hand nervously tugging at his ear. “Can you believe the school even lets people print this?” he nervously said.

Fiyero hummed. “Freedom of the press is important, even if the press is dumb.” He smiled ear-to-ear. “But nothing a few simple edits can’t fix.”

With the odd quill in his hand, Fiyero crossed out the word “who” in the title and replaced it with “Boq” . He skimmed through, thinking about adding something cheeky after the line about ‘misfortune’ or adding the word ‘yes!’ after the question about if this was Fiyero’s crush, but hey–he couldn’t give them everything, now could he?

Happy with his simple edit, he tucked the quill back behind the boy’s ears, who watched with bated breath, and handed him back his article.

“All better,” Fiyero said and turned on his heel.

He got nowhere before having to turn back around at the oddest sound.

The boy had fainted. Weird.