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Holding Fiyero’s hand, Elphaba finally left behind the seemingly never-ending desert outside of Oz. They never knew what their destination was – and it never mattered, because they couldn’t go back. Not if they wanted Oz to be safe, and they both knew that they left the place in good hands, that Glinda would be a more than fair ruler.
After what seemed like days of walking, Elphaba sighted what seemed like a valley in the distance. Based on the few maps they took with them, they assumed they found themselves on the outskirts of Merryland. Despite having no intention to ever leave Oz since she was little, Elphaba had been curious about what was outside of it.
Merryland consisted of seven valleys connected by rivers, if Elphaba recalled correctly. Setting a small tent once they set foot in the valley, they could finally rest after a long journey. Though despite being free of being the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba was mourning. She left behind too much, an entire life, too many people she loved.
“You should sleep.” Fiyero spoke softly once he noticed her gloomy expression. He was lying next to her, raising a hand to stroke her face. “We’ve been walking for too long.”
Still getting used to the sensation of Fiyero’s scarecrow hands against her skin, Elphaba closed her eyes. It was new, but not uncomfortable. “I’m trying, believe me.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” He suggested, knowing exactly what was going through Elphaba’s mind. “I can also come up with something to distract you, if you would rather not think about it.”
“It’s alright.” Elphaba chuckled, already imagining what Fiyero’s distracting theatrics would be like. “I just– I don’t regret leaving Oz, there was little else I could to but still, getting used to a life without everything I’ve ever known feels rather discouraging.” She paused. “I’ll get used to it, but I need time.”
“I get that.” The back of Fiyero’s hand moved along one of Elphaba’s cheeks. “We’ll be fine with time, as you said. Think it was for the greater good, the place where you grew up in is free now, certain Good Witch will do a good job.”
“I feel so bad for Galinda.” Elphaba let a deep sigh. “I wish we could tell her we’re alive at least, but if we do–”
“We know Galinda, she’s a stubborn one.” He laughed tenderly. “She’ll never stop until she finds you.”
“Most likely.” Elphaba agreed.
Fiyero wasn’t blind to what was right in front of him, he knew Elphaba’s heart had room for more than one person. When Elphaba and Glinda were roommates back at Shiz, Fiyero often suspected there was something going on between the two of them, even during the time he and Glinda were together, but never asked them about it.
Though Fiyero couldn’t blame Glinda for falling for Elphaba while they were in a relationship since he had done the exact same thing. He was alright with Elphaba loving both him and Glinda, at the of the day, he had made the choice to protect Elphaba regardless of what happened, and Elphaba chose to run away with him.
And the fact that Elphaba wanted to be with him was what mattered the most to Fiyero. “I know you’ll miss her and Oz terribly.” His hand moved to Elphaba’s collarbone. “And I promise we’ll be happy wherever we choose to live, I’ll make sure of it.”
“I know we will.” She closed the distance between them, placing a small kiss on his lips. “I still can’t believe you chose to be with me, going against everything.”
“And I would do it again.” He assured. “I love you, Elphaba. My life in the Wizard’s side was a lie, I was never happy, that wasn’t what I believed in and you weren’t with me. Choosing to save you and go with you was the best thing I could ever do.” He initiated another kiss. “And you saved my life.”
“I was so desperate when I casted the spell that did that.” Elphaba admitted. “I thought I lost you.”
“You didn’t, I’m here.” Fiyero gently squeezed her shoulders as if to reassure her that he was real. “I have hay instead of organs now, but I like to think that makes me even more charming.” His lips curved into a satisfied smile when that comment made her giggle. “And I’m never leaving your side.”
“I know.” The feeling of having someone unconditionally by her side, that would love and support her no matter what she did was still new to Elphaba. New, but not unwelcome at all. “Did it hurt?” Curiosity took over and she had to ask the question. “The spell, turning into a scarecrow.”
Fiyero took a moment to reply. “I won’t lie, I was too beat up by then to notice.” He explained, realizing that as he voiced it. “When I opened my eyes, I was just so happy and relieved to be alive to think of anything else. Well, I did think of something: that you were the one who saved me.”
“And I would do it again.” Elphaba repeated his own words. “I really hope I’m not discouraging you by being so negative about us leaving Oz together, I wouldn’t want you to think I don’t want to be with you, because I do and you must also feel downcast about all of this–”
“Elphaba.” Fiyero placed one of his fingers on her lips. “You don’t have to justify feeling heavy-hearted about leaving your life behind, I would worry if you weren’t.” His tone was gentle and comforting. “I’ve also left things behind and feel a little downcast, as you said, but I would rather be here with you than stay behind and be miserable, somewhere where you’re badmouthed and persecuted for fighting for what’s right.”
Before Fiyero could notice Elphaba’s eyes were getting watery, she grabbed his face and kissed him, the coarse yet somehow pleasant feeling of his scarecrow skin against her fingers. “I love you, Fiyero.” She whispered against her lips.
Fiyero didn’t know what his heart was made of, but whether it was straw or hay, it was still beating with the same frenzy as it did when he was a human. With the same love and passion that it harbored for Elphaba before he was turned into a scarecrow. If anything, it beat even faster,
“I love you too.” Fiyero spoke as he showered Elphaba’s face with kisses. “I never knew I could love someone so much.”
And Elphaba couldn’t be happier to be there with him. “Well, I’m full of surprises.” She had left a life behind which she would miss, but was more than eager to build a new one with Fiyero.