You Should Be Loved This Way

by GelphieThroppUpland

Summary:

Galinda Upland has just been stood up. She's just as surprised as we are. When she's stranded outside of the Ozdust staring in the face of having to walk home, a stranger arrives and changes her night for the better.

Notes:

Hello! This idea came to me while driving today, and I want to thank maxthropp and therainstorm404 for helping me think some of this out tonight! Hope you enjoy! Comments are much appreciated!

Also, the title is inspired by the lyrics to Cynthia Erivo's song "I Choose Love." If you haven't listened to it yet, what are you waiting for? Go check it out. It's beautiful!

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters from Wicked.  They belong to the creators of TWOZ, the Wicked book, musical and movies.  I’m just borrowing them. 

You Should Be Loved This Way

Chapter 1

Galinda Upland stood outside of the Ozdust with her phone in her hand and her clutch dangling from her wrist.  Her long, blonde hair was curled at the ends and hung loosely down her back, a simple pink flower barrette clipping her hair back on one side.  Her chest and shoulders sparkled under the lights outside the club, a hint of glitter from the citrusy body mist she’d spritzed on before leaving home. 

Her thumbs quickly tapped out three consecutive messages in a row.

Are you still coming?

We said 8, right?

At the Ozdust?

Galinda frowned down at her phone and sighed, shifting her weight from foot to foot.  It was twenty after eight, and she was standing in the exact spot they’d agreed upon to meet at.  Right outside the club entrance under the bright Neon marquee. 

“Hey!”  Galinda gasped softly and spun around, eyes wide, expecting to see her date.  Instead, she saw another girl waving at someone else, greeting her with a hug and walking off hand in hand into the club.  Galinda looked back at her phone.

She was tempted to shoot off a text about how she could be sitting at home in comfortable pajamas watching her favorite movies instead of wearing a brand new dress she’d picked out just for this occasion.  She also thought about including a message about how she looked particularly hot tonight.  But, she decided against it.  Instead, she thumbed out a quick, final text.

I’ll give you five more minutes, and then I’m going home.

She hit send, and then the message failed to deliver.  She scoffed at her phone.  She tried sending it again.  Again, it failed.  Blocked and ghosted, she supposed. 

“Are you kidding me?” Galinda asked aloud to nobody in particular.  She scrolled through her contacts, found what she was looking for and hit the call button.  Immediately, a familiar voice came over the speaker.

“You’ve reached Fiyero Tigelaar.  If this is an emergency, please call someone else, as I’m likely doing something very important and cannot be interrupted.”  Beep!

“What happened to ‘give me a call if you need a ride’?  I guess best friends are an afterthought when sex is on the table, huh?  Ass.  Call me.”  She hit End and started pacing.  The skirt of her ombre dress swished around her knees.  It was pretty, and she’d felt sexy in it the moment she’d tried it on at the shop.  It was strapless with a corseted, peach top that hugged her down to her waist.  At her hips, the fabric fell loose.  Her favorite thing about the dress was that the colors brightened and changed all the way down.  The soft peach color gave way to bright orange then faded into pink and then finally a gorgeous shade of purple at the end of the skirt. 

She’d wanted to look sexy and sweet at the same time.  She’d gone through a lot of trouble in getting all dressed up tonight, and her date was just going to leave her hanging?  Hell no.

Suddenly, she got another idea.  She grabbed her phone again, this time sending Fiyero a text.

Just making sure my texts are working.

It delivered in an instant.  She groaned in frustration, opened up her date’s text chat and tried to send another.

Hello?

Again, it failed to deliver.  She huffed out a frustrated sigh and opened up the rideshare app.  She scrolled through, and much to her disdain, the closest driver was more then twenty minutes away.  On a Friday night.  In the capital of Gillikin.  How in Oz was that even possible?

“Oz damn it!” she huffed, stuffing her phone into her clutch and crossing her arms across her chest. 

“Are you alright?  Do you need to borrow my phone or something?”  Galinda gasped softly and spun around to see who was talking to her.  She immediately recognized her from somewhere—campus, she suspected.  The girl with the curiously green skin that always seemed to be reading or studying and pretty much kept to herself. 

“W-what?” Galinda stammered, watching the girl come a little closer.  She took in the sight of her, dressed in a white button down shirt that was tucked into a black skirt that came down mid-thigh.  She wore sheer, black stockings that barely masked the soft, green flesh beneath them and paired the outfit with thigh-high black boots with an incredible heel.  Galinda felt her face flush instantly.

“Oh, um, it just looked like you might be having phone trouble.  I was going to offer to let you use mine.”

“Oh.”  Galinda looked down at her clutch and then back to the pretty green girl.  “Um, no.  Nothing like that.  My phone’s working fine.  My date however…”

“Oh,” the girl winced.  “Sorry.  Well, if it helps, you probably dodged a bullet anyway.  He’s probably a jerk.”

“She,” Galinda corrected, flipping her hair over  her shoulder and grabbing her lip gloss out of her clutch.  The girl blinked at her.

“Oh.”  Galinda applied her lip gloss evenly, screwed the cap back on and popped it back in her clutch. 

“And my so-called best friend promised to give me a ride home if I needed him.  But he had a date of his own, and clearly that’s going well, because I got his voicemail.”  She let out a sharp breath and folded her arms across her chest again.  “So here I am, all dressed up and nowhere to go.”  She looked at the girl across from her.  “I know you.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, I mean, I don’t know you, but I’ve seen you before.  On campus?  You go to Shiz, right?  I know I’ve seen you there.”  The green girl smirked and shrugged one shoulder.

“I’m a little hard to miss,” she pointed out with a little laugh.  “Yes.  I go to Shiz.  Third year.  What about you?”

“Second,” Galinda pointed out with a little smile.  “And my date goes to Shiz too.  I think.”

“You…you think?”

“Well, we haven’t met.  Not in person, I mean.  We met on a dating app.”  Galinda’s eyes went wide, and she put her hand over her face.  “Oz, I can’t believe I just admitted that to a random stranger.  Ok, Galinda.  Time to go home.”  She chuckled nervously, and the other girl stepped closer.

“Galinda?  That’s your  name?”

“Oh.  Um, uh-huh.  Galinda Upland.” 

“Elphaba Thropp,” the girl responded, holding a hand out. Galinda looked down at it and then back up at the pretty face in front of her.  Her green eyes sparkled in the lights of the marquee.  She reached out and shook the girl’s hand, a jolt coursing through her palm and causing a flutter in her chest.  Galinda flinched.  “Nice to meet you, Galinda.”

“Nice to meet you,” Galinda murmured, wondering if Elphaba had felt that same shock.  If she had, she hid it well.

The blonde looked over her shoulder. 

“Sorry for rambling about all of my problems.  You—you’ve probably got friends waiting,” Galinda stammered.  The fumbling of her words caught her off guard.  She wasn’t used to feeling like this.  What was this?  Was she nervous?

“Actually, no,” Elphaba pointed out.  “I’m not much for the club scene.  My younger sister convinced me to come out for a while, but I ditched her with her boyfriend and went to the book store instead.”  She nodded across the street to the old storefront.  A warm, homey yellow light glowed from the picture window, and Galinda could see someone sitting at a table sipping coffee and reading as if time didn’t matter and the city wasn’t bustling just outside.  “They were so wrapped up in each other, I wasn’t even sure they noticed I left until she texted me and told me not to wait up.”

“Oh,” Galinda laughed.  “Well, good for them.”

“Yeah.  They’re happy.  It’s disgusting.”  The gap-tooth grin that spread over her face was contagious, and Galinda smiled right back at her, a warmth spreading through her chest that made her bounce slightly on the balls of her feet.  “Sorry about your date.”

“Well, it happens,” Galinda sighed.  She furrowed her brows.  “But not to me.  Not ever that I can recall.  I suppose that’s what I get for using that Oz-damned app.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Elphaba asked, stepping closer as a group of people tried to squeeze past her on the sidewalk.  Galinda nodded.  “Why did you use the app?  I’ve watched at least two dozen people walk by in the past five minutes, and well over half of them did a double take when they walked past you.”

“Oh?” 

“And you don’t strike me as the type that would be hard pressed to find a date.”

“Well, stranger I just met on the street, that’s an awfully bold assumption.”  The teasing smile that lifted on the blonde’s lips was followed by a nervous laugh.

“I’m sorry,” Elphaba chuckled.  “Maybe your date had an emergency come up.”

“An emergency that would make them block me?”

“Oh.  Ouch.”

“Yeah.  Have you ever been stood up, Elphaba?”

“Oh, bold of you to assume I date.”  Elphaba stepped out of the way as another group of people tried to pass her.  Galinda studied her for a moment, cocking her head to the side.  “What?”

“It’s Friday night.  I’m dateless.  You’re dateless.  Do you want to be my date?”

“You’re joking, right?” Elphaba deadpanned.

“Why not?  Come on.  I’d hate to waste my brand new dress.  And my lip gloss looks amazing.”  Her eyes went wide.  “It still does, right?”  She started to reach into her clutch for her compact mirror, but Elphaba held a hand up. 

“It’s great.  You l-look good,” Elphaba stammered.  Galinda smiled.

“Why, thank you.”  The anxious coil in her belly loosened just a little, but now she could see something flickering in the green girl’s eyes that reflected just a bit of what she was feeling inside.  “Come on.  Let’s go do something.  Unless you’d rather go home and spend your night in front of the television while your little sister has the time of her life.”  She quirked an eyebrow, and Elphaba sighed.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Well, that depends,” Galinda pointed out with a little smile.

“Depends on what?” Elphaba asked, brow crinkling as the blonde stepped closer.

“Did you drive?”

*~*~*~*~*

“This is definitely not what I expected,” Elphaba Thropp chuckled.  The ice cream shop was brightly lit, and Elphaba couldn’t stop smiling from where she sat across the tall table from Galinda.  Between bites of ice cream—cherry vanilla for Galinda and strawberry for Elphaba—the girls talked and laughed and genuinely had a good time.

“Wait, so you were in Dr. Dillamond’s lecture last spring?” Elphaba asked. 

“I was!  I sat down in the front.  Why don’t I remember seeing you in there?”

“I always came in late and sat in the back,” Elphaba admitted.  “My writing class was across campus, and I only had ten minutes to get there.”

“So you were the heavy breather that always caused a commotion when you came in,” Galinda pointed out, eyes flickering with realization.

“Oh, Oz,” Elphaba groaned.  “Unfortunately, yes.  That was me.”  Her face darkened with embarrassment.  “Thankfully, Dr. Dillamond didn’t mind my being late.  As long as I did the work, he accepted that I would never be on time.”  She chuckled a little.  “He was my favorite of all of the professors.  I hate that he retired.” 

“Well, I’m glad he liked you.  I’m convinced he hated me,” Galinda huffed.  “Do you know, that old man could never remember my name.  He constantly called me Glinda, and he always looked at me with exasperation every time I raised my hand to answer a question.  I was only wrong sometimes.”  Elphaba grinned at her.  Galinda took another bite of ice cream and moaned softly.  “Oh, Oz, this is so good.  How’s yours?”

“I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.”  Elphaba’s eyes went wide when the words flew out of her mouth.  Galinda giggled and took another bite.  She let the cold, sweet cream melt on her tongue, pondering her next words.  She narrowed her eyes at Elphaba.  “What?”

“You don’t date? Like, you never date?”

“Not never,” Elphaba shrugged.  “Just not lately.”

“Oh, so you have a past, Miss Thropp,” Galinda teased, leaning in curiously.  Elphaba rolled her eyes.

“There’s not much to tell.  There was someone back home.  We dated.  I moved away to school.  The long distance thing didn’t really work out.”

“Sorry,” Galinda murmured.  “I shouldn’t have asked.  It’s none of my business.”

“It’s ok,” Elphaba said with a little shrug, taking another bite of her ice cream.  “It just didn’t work out.  And I got busy with school.  And writing.  I’m working on trying to get published.”

“Elphaba Thropp, you write?  What do you write?”  She watched Elphaba blush, and she bit her bottom lip.  “Can I guess?”

“Knock yourself out.”

“Gothic drama.”

“No, but I can see why you’d think that,” Elphaba snorted, glancing down at her mostly black attire.  “Good try.”

“I’m not done yet.  Fantasy.  Mythical creatures and epic journeys.”

“Nope.”

“Ooh, mystery novels.  You probably like a good true crime show, right?”

“No and yes,” Elphaba chuckled.  “Do you want me to tell you?”

“Don’t tell me you’re a romance writer, Elphaba Thropp.”

“Ok, I won’t,” Elphaba shrugged, smirking.  Galinda’s eyes went wide. 

“Oh, you’re not serious.  Are you?”

“Does that surprise you?”

“Well, I don’t think I’m allowed to be surprised.  I don’t know you well enough yet.”  She narrowed her eyes at her.  “Romance, hmm?  So does that mean you write the sexy stuff, too?  The kind of books where the man with inhumanly large arms and chiseled abs is bridal-style carrying the sexy blonde with big boobs?” 

“What?!  No!” Elphaba hissed, ducking her head in embarrassment.  “No, nothing like that.”

“Then what could you possibly be writing about?  Can I read it?”

“No!”

“But you said you were trying to get published.”

“I don’t share anything with people I know.”

“Ok first of all, we’re strangers.  We just met.  So, share away!  Second of all, you’re trying to get published.  People you know are going to read your stuff eventually.”

“Right, but that’s not the same as sending them the file and having them read it just like that.  At least if it’s published I can pretend that they haven’t bought it and haven’t read it.”  Elphaba shrugged and took another bite of ice cream.

“You are something else, Elphaba Thropp,” Galinda chuckled.  “I’m glad my date flaked on me.  Truly.  This has been enlightening.”

“Stop,” Elphaba muttered, face flushing brightly once again.

“Can I borrow your phone?” Galinda asked with a little smile, warmth swirling around in her chest as Elphaba passed her the device.  “Thank you!”  She tapped away at the screen, glancing up briefly at the woman across from her watching her curiously.  “I just texted myself from your phone.  So, if you decide you’d like to share, you know how to find me.” 

“Great.  I won’t be doing that,” Elphaba snorted, taking her phone back. 

“The offer stands, regardless,” Galinda shrugged, letting her spoon clatter into her empty bowl.  “So this ex of yours…”

“Oh Oz, here we go.”

“Come on.  You know all about my embarrassing little dating app secret.  Can you just humor me?”

“Fine,” Elphaba bit out.  “I told her I was coming home over spring break.  She said we needed to talk.  I asked her what was going on, and she told me she’d met someone else.  She said that I was too busy with school to keep up the relationship.  She wanted to be the most important thing, and I spent more time studying than I did trying to keep things going.  And, maybe she was right.  It hurt, but I think that’s because there was a lot of truth behind it.”

Galinda blinked at her across the table.  Had she heard that right?  Elphaba’s ex was a girl? 

“Oh,” Galinda said softly, sitting back in her chair.  “Elphaba, that sucks.  That’s a lot worse than what happened to me.”

“Glad my pain made you feel better,” Elphaba snorted.  She was joking of course, but Galinda’s features softened.  “Really, it’s ok.  I’m over it.  I’m over her.  She was my first girlfriend, and honestly it wasn’t that serious.”

“No?”

“No.  She was my first kiss.  I think I was just overwhelmed and in love with the idea that somebody liked me like that.  But it never would have worked out.  I see that now.  I did care more about school than her, which is probably not something I should admit, but she’s happy now.  I heard she’s engaged.  Good for her.”

“You’re too nice, Elphaba Thropp.  I’ll hate her for the both of us,” Galinda pointed out, opening up her clutch.  Elphaba laughed then, and Galinda felt that nervous tug inside of her belly again at the sweet sound of it.  She started to pull her card out to pay.

“You don’t have to do that.  I can pay my own way.”

“Absolutely not.  You humored me and kept me company when I was literally stranded.  It’s the least I can do.  Besides, you were the most interesting date I’ve had in a while.  So thank you for being my first.”

“Your first what?”

“Date.  With a woman.”

“Your…what?”  Elphaba blinked at her.  “Tonight was going to be your first date…”

“Since coming out?  Yeah.”

“Oh Oz, Galinda.  I had no idea.  I’m sorry I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt then.  I’ll hate her with you.”  This made Galinda laugh a bright, genuine laugh that made her heart feel light. 

“Don’t waste your energy. It was over before it started, and that’s probably for the best.  Besides, I ended up having a great time anyway.  Thank you.”  Galinda then proceeded to push her chair back and hurry up to the counter to pay.  When she returned, she flashed a bright smile at Elphaba.  “Would you mind terribly to drive me home?”

*~*~*~*

Galinda’s heart was fluttering in her chest as she stood outside of her apartment building with Elphaba.  They’d stood and talked for the past twenty minutes, neither really quite ready to call it a night. 

“Do you want to come up?” Galinda asked softly.  “We could watch something on TV.  Oh!  I have wine!”  She shifted her weight from foot to foot and felt her heart leap when Elphaba glanced up at the building and chewed her bottom lip for a moment.

“I…I should probably get home,” Elphaba said slowly, brows furrowing as if she wasn’t quite sure of her answer.

“Oh, ok.  Yeah, I understand.  It’s getting late.”  She glanced at her phone.  It was nearly midnight, she realized.  The past almost four hours had flown by, and Galinda was not quite ready for it to end.  “Thank you, Elphaba.  I appreciate you keeping me company tonight.”

“You’re welcome.  I had a lot more fun than I would have had as a third wheel on my sister’s date.  So thank you.”  They both laughed, and Galinda reached out, her finger grazing over Elphaba’s.  She wasn’t quite sure why she’d done it.  Hadn’t intended to.  But it had happened, and they both froze, brown eyes locked on brown.  Galinda was the first to pull her hand back, and she looked away nervously. 

“Well, you have my number.  Maybe we can keep each other company again sometime.”

“Yeah.  Maybe.  This was fun,” Elphaba said softly.  She swallowed hard, and Galinda noticed the way her hands fidgeted at the sides of her skirt.  Her heart somersaulted in her chest.  Elphaba was nervous, too.

It wasn’t like this was a real date.  They’d simply picked up the pieces of one girl’s ruined evening and made the most of it.  So why did it feel like that awkward end of a first date when they were both standing there in front of each other wondering if this was the right time to make a move, to go in for the kiss. 

She’d never kissed a woman before.  And Elphaba’s lips looked so soft and utterly kissable, and Galinda found herself leaning in just the slightest before she stopped herself, hoping the other woman didn’t notice.  Her cheeks flushed, and she took a step back. 

“Good night, Elphaba,” she finally spoke, a soft sigh escaping her lips as the other woman took a deep breath and nodded.

“Good night, Galinda.”  She went to turn and head back to her car, and before Galinda knew what was happening, she took a step toward her.

“Wait!  Elphaba, are you sure you don’t want to—”  Elphaba turned and moved toward her without words, without thought, without warning.  In a moment, Elphaba’s hands were cupping her face and her lips were pressing into hers, soft and warm and so inviting.  Galinda’s eyes fluttered closed on instinct, her hands uncertain, lingering on Elphaba’s shoulders before sliding down her arms and then resting at her waist.  And then Elphaba pulled back, just an inch, and Galinda chased the kiss, pressing back into her, lips damp and pliant. 

Elphaba’s breath was warm against her lips, and she opened up for her, moaning softly when she felt Elphaba’s tongue tease against her bottom lip.  Her heart was pounding so hard she could feel it everywhere.  In her ears.  In her neck.  In her chest.  In her feet.  Between her legs.  Oh.  She gasped softly as a flash of heat rushed to her core.  She swallowed hard, breaths coming out in soft puffs as she felt Elphaba’s thumb graze over the curve of her jaw. 

She felt a jolt like she’d been struck by lightning the moment she felt Elphaba’s tongue graze against hers.  And the gasp that escaped her lips had Elphaba pulling back as if she’d felt that very shock herself.  They stared at each other, both breathless, both wide eyed, both uncertain of what to do next.  But fate seemed to intervene in the form of the front doors opening wide, two giggly tenants strolling out hand in hand and putting an end to a moment they hadn’t even realized they’d intruded upon. 

“G-good night,” Elphaba stammered, turning quickly and walking briskly to her car.  Galinda stood there with her phone in her hand, her clutch dangling from her arm, fingertips grazing over her kiss swollen lips.  She watched Elphaba drive away, still processing what had just happened. 

It wasn’t until her phone buzzed in her hand that she snapped out of her post-kiss haze and glanced down, hope sparking in her chest that maybe it was Elphaba.  Instead, Fiyero’s name popped up.  She sighed and pushed her way into the lobby of the apartment building, selecting the call button for the elevator.  As she waited, she read his message.

Got your message.  You still need a ride home?

She rolled her eyes and responded.

No, I’m home.  I managed.  Hope your date was worth stranding me.

Oh, it was. 

I hate you.

No you don’t.  How did you get home?

I have my ways.

Oh, do tell.  

Good night, Fiyero.  Don’t forget to call her tomorrow.

Call who?

You’re ridiculous.

You love me.  It’s a shame you’re a lesbian.  We could have been so happy together.

You would have cheated on me after the first date.

I’m offended.  You don’t give me enough credit.  I was quite a gentleman when we dated.

Yes, you were loyal to me for the two hours and sixteen minutes it took us to realize that sleeping together would be like incest.  Good night, Fiyero.  Call her tomorrow.  Her name’s Elliana. 

Oh, Elliana.  Yes.  Thank you.  I’ll do that.

No you won’t. 

Goodnight.

Goodnight. 

By the time Galinda stepped off the elevator and made her way down to her apartment, she was desperately checking her phone every five seconds to see if Elphaba had texted her.  She thought about texting her first, but every time she tried to think of something to say, she ended up staring at the screen, thumbs hovering over it, and nothing came to mind.

She’d enjoyed the kiss, and it felt like Elphaba had too, but then she’d hurried off so quickly, and Galinda was left reeling in the wake of it all.  The night had gone exactly the opposite of how she’d expected it to go, and yet all she could think about was how she wanted to see Elphaba again. 

And when she checked her phone again after showering and slipping into comfortable pajamas, she found her messages empty, and she felt her heart sink in her chest.  She slipped into her bed and plugged her phone into the charger.  She lay there staring at the screen for the longest time, starting a message and erasing it over and over again until she finally gave up and turned her phone over on her night stand and prayed that sleep would come quickly.

She’d text her tomorrow. That was definitely enough time to not sound too needy.  Yes.  She’d text her tomorrow. Definitely.  Maybe.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Elphaba stood at the kitchen counter, her glasses perched on her nose, braids tied loosely behind her back.  The black tank top she’d slept in was haphazardly lifted up over one hip, and she gently scratched at the exposed flesh with one hand while the other flipped a lopsided pancake in the skillet. 

“Good morning,” Nessa chirped, guiding her wheelchair into the kitchen and up to the counter to grab a coffee cup.  Elphaba glanced at her and frowned.  Her curly brown hair  was pulled back and clipped behind her head.  Her face was fresh, not a stitch of makeup on.  She was glowing.  Elphaba sighed. “Not a good morning?”

“You got in late,” she mumbled, transferring her mutant pancake onto a plate. 

“I did,” Nessa grinned. 

“How is Boq?” 

“Boq is good,” Nessa sighed, practically swooning.  Ah, young love.  “Where did you run off to last night?”

“Oh, so you did come up for air long enough to notice I escaped?” Elphaba teased, carrying two plates over to the table.  Nessa smirked and pulled up to the table, taking a long sip of hot coffee before placing it down by her plate. 

“Sorry.  It was a little rude of us to invite you out and then…”

“Completely ignore me?” Elphaba asked with a wink, because of course she had to give her baby sister a hard time.  “I had fun.  I went to that book store across the street.”

“Oh?  Let me guess.  You were looking for a quiet corner to plot out your ending, but you got engrossed in a book instead.”

“I hate that you know me so well,” Elphaba muttered, sitting down and grabbing the syrup.  She started pouring and glanced up to find Nessa staring at her.  “What?”

“Is that…glitter?” 

“What?” Elphaba asked.  Nessa reached across the table, brushing a sparkling fleck off of her chin.  Something flashed behind Elphaba’s eyes for a brief moment, but not brief enough for Nessa to miss. “Oh.  I must have bumped into someone at the Ozdust.”  Nessa narrowed her eyes.  “What?”  Elphaba’s face grew hot. 

“Oh, you met someone.”

“What?  No I didn’t!”  Elphaba took a large bite of her pancake and chewed slowly while Nessa’s face lit up with excitement. 

“Oh Oz.  You have to tell me.  Was she cute?  Was she hot?  Was she your type?”

“I don’t have a type,” Elphaba muttered.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Fabala.  We were raised better than that.”  Elphaba glared at her sister between slow bites and took a sip of coffee to wash it down.  “Now spill.”

“There’s nothing to spill.”

“Oh come on.  You disappeared and didn’t even send me eight texts to make sure I was alright.”

“Not that you would have responded anyway, you menace,” Elphaba snorted. 

“Don’t change the subject.  Who was she?  Or he?  I’m guessing she by the glitter, but I’m not judging.”

“Oh Oz.  You’re impossible,” Elphaba sighed, pushing the soggy remnants of her pancake around the plate with her fork.  Nessa folded her hands on the table and leaned forward eagerly.  “Fine.  What do you want to know?”

“Where’d you meet her?  How’d you meet her?  Did you hook up?  Wait, I don’t want the details.  But, did you?”

“You don’t ask for much, do you?” Elphaba deadpanned.  “Fine.  Fine.  I met her outside the Ozdust.  She looked like she maybe might need some help.”

“Oh, this is good.  The knight in black leather thigh highs.”

“Do you want to hear more?”

“Please.”

“Then shut up.”  Nessa rolled her eyes but continued leaning in.  “She got stood up by her date, and she was standing there all dressed up and stranded.”

“And you felt sorry for her and decided to take her home like a stray puppy?”

“What?  No!”

“Was she pretty?” Nessa asked, wiggling her eyebrows.  Elphaba glared, but her features softened the moment she thought back to the soft blonde hair, curled at the ends, falling down Galinda’s back. The multi color dress that hugged her in just the right places before flaring out and making her look like a princess in one of the fairy tales Nanny had read her as a child. 

“She was beautiful,” Elphaba sighed, slumping in her chair. 

“Was she your type?”

“I’ve dated exactly one girl.  I don’t have a type.”

“Dating and hooking up are two different things,” Nessa pointed out.  Elphaba’s eyes went wide.  “We used to share a wall before I had Boq move my bed.  I know you’ve brought girls home.”

“You have n-no idea what you’re talking about,” Elphaba stammered, pushing her chair back from the table.

“Don’t I?”  At Elphaba’s horrified look, Nessa held her hands up.  “I’m not judging you, Fabala.  I know Lyanna did a number on you when she broke up with you.  I know you threw yourself into your writing, and that’s a perfectly acceptable outlet.  But casual sex is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Ok, we’re not doing this,” Elphaba balked.  “You can do your little psychoanalysis on someone else.  Not me.”  She started to get up, and Nessa reached out to grab her hand.

“I didn’t mean to…Fabala, I’m sorry.”

“That was a year ago.  It was one girl.  Three different nights.”  Nessa raised an eyebrow.  “We were partners on a project.  It was a stressful class.  She was pretty.  We flirted.  I had no idea what I was doing.”

“Well, you did something right if she came back two more times,” Nessa snickered.

“Shut up,” Elphaba groaned, burying her face in her hands. 

“Well, what happened there?  Class was over, and so that was it?”

“Something like that,” Elphaba muttered.  “Can we change the subject?”

“Fine,” Nessa huffed.  “So tell me about this beautiful girl.”

“Nessa.”  The word came out sharp.  Final.  A warning.  Nessa huffed out a defeated sigh.

“I’m heading to campus.”

“It’s Saturday.”

“I have to write a paper, and if I stay here I’ll have too many distractions.  Want to come?”

“I think I’ll stay in.”

“Elphaba Thropp is passing up the opportunity to go to the library?” Nessa asked, eyes wide.  “I never thought I’d see the day.  She must be gorgeous.”

“I hate you,” Elphaba groaned.  Nessa laughed and reached over to squeeze her sister’s hand.

“Well, for what it’s worth, I hope it works out.  It’d be nice for my third wheel to have a date.”

“Would you leave already?” Elphaba sighed, rubbing her hand down her face in exasperation.

“Going,” Nessa sang, rolling out of the kitchen and down the hall to her room.  Elphaba buried her face in her hands and took a few deep breaths before she started clearing the table. 

She glanced over at the counter where her phone sat by the box of pancake mix.  She chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment, reached over and picked it up.  No messages.    She thumbed over Galinda’s contact, tapping on it for a moment.  She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and thought about that kiss.  It had happened so fast.  They’d been standing there, and Galinda had looked so pretty.  They’d just had such a good time at the ice cream place, and there was a tension between them, an unspoken agreement that neither of them wanted it to end.  So when she’d turned to leave and Galinda had called after her, the coil tethering her to reality had snapped, and she’d gone all in, kissing her like she it was the last thing she’d ever do.  And Galinda had kissed her back.

Her phone clattered from her hand and dropped to the counter.

Galinda had kissed her back.  And she’d took off, leaving her standing there outside of her building.  After her first date.  With a woman. 

Elphaba felt like somebody had knocked the air from her lungs.  Her hand flew to her chest, and she grabbed for her phone again.  Her hand trembled as she pulled up Galinda’s contact again.  She chewed on her bottom lip, fingers ghosting over the screen as she typed and erased and started over again and again. 

When she heard the front door shut as Nessa left for the afternoon, she took a sobering breath and finally decided on something simple.  She was half afraid to hit send, half afraid she’d be received the dreaded failed to send message.  She wouldn’t blame the girl if she had blocked her, considering the way she’d run off the way she had.  But it had been so much all at once and she’d surprised herself by kissing her.  It wasn’t something she was used to doing.  Perhaps it was something the characters she wrote might do, but she wasn’t the kind of girl who just swept someone off their feet like that.  And she’d certainly proven that last night when she’d screwed up what was quite possibly the best night she’d ever had in her life.

But when she hit send, the message delivered immediately, and she felt her heart flutter in her chest.  Now, all she had to do was wait.

*~*~*~*

Galinda gasped and threw the covers off when her phone buzzed on her bedside table.  She felt the dizzying rush of anticipation jumpstart her heart like a shot of adrenaline.  She rolled over, hand slapping the bedside table until it came in contact with her phone.  And when she pulled it into her hands, her face fell when she saw the name on her screen.  With a frown, she held the phone to her ear.

“Fiyero, why are you calling me at—” She pulled her phone back to check the time.  “Seven thirty in the morning?”

“I’m here.  Let me in.”

“What?  Why?”

“Just let me in.  I have donuts.”  Galinda groaned.  “Unless you’re not alone.  I can come back later.  Stale donuts are just as good, especially with coffee.”

“I’m alone,” she muttered.  “Give me a minute.”  She hung up and threw her legs over the side of the bed.  She padded to the bathroom, throwing a bra on and putting her tank top back on pulling her hair back in a loose ponytail. 

She snatched her phone off the bed before finally retreating to the living room and unlocking her front door for her friend.  He stood there looking dashing as always, not a hair out of place, and she scowled at him.

“Well, good morning to you too, beautiful,” he chuckled, leaning in to kiss her cheek. 

“Two sugars?” she asked, big brown eyes pleading at him.

“What do you take me for?  Of course I asked for two sugars.”  She raised an eyebrow, and he rolled his eyes, picking up an extra packet between his thumb and forefinger.  “And I grabbed an extra, because you always ask for two sugars but end up requiring a third.”

“You’re the best.”

“Well, that’s better than ‘ass.’  I’ll take it.  How did you sleep?”

“What makes you think I slept?” she asked, motioning to the faint bags under her eyes.  She sighed deeply and took the lid off of her coffee cup, pouring in the entire third packet of sugar before popping the lid back on and turning to collapse on the couch.  Fiyero joined her. 

“I’m sensing the lack of sleep was because something’s bothering you, not because you were being completely ruined by some hot stranger that picked you up after your date gave you the brush off.”  Galinda glared at him.  “Ok, I know I’ve given you shit for being a bubbly morning person, but you didn’t have to tone it all the way down.”

“I met someone,” she admitted.  “Honestly, I forgot all about my date ghosting me until now.”

“Oh, do tell,” Fiyero murmured, blowing over the steam coming out of the lip of his coffee cup.  “Was she my type?”

“Shut up.  I’m not telling you anything.  And your type is anything that bats her eyelashes in your direction.  I can’t see Elphaba batting her eyelashes at, well, anyone.”

“Oh, she has a name.  Interesting,” Fiyero murmured.  “Go on.”

“She offered to let me use her phone.  She thought I was having trouble with mine.  We got to talking, and Fiyero,” she sighed, “it was so easy.  I liked talking to her.  I was nervous and excited, but I felt brave.  I asked her to come out with me.”

“You asked her out?”

“Well, it wasn’t really a date.  I don’t think.  I mean, I was all dressed up, and I didn’t want to waste the look, you know?  I looked amazing.  Did you get the picture I sent?”

“I did,” Fiyero chuckled.  “You looked smashing.  And did you?  I mean, was there…smashing?”

“Fiyero Tigelaar!” she gasped.  “Do you want me to continue my story or not?”

“Apologies.  Please, continue.”  He raised his brows and took another sip of hot coffee while Galinda’s nails clicked against the cup.

“We went out for ice cream, and we just talked and talked.  She’s a writer. She’s a year ahead at Shiz.  I’d seen her around, but we never talked before.”

“A year ahead.  Elphaba….you mean Elphaba Thropp?”

“Yeah.  You know her?”

“I know of her.  I mean, she doesn’t exactly blend in does she?”

“No, I suppose not,” Galinda smiled.  She bit her lip, a faint blush blooming across her cheeks. 

“She was in one of my literature classes last semester.  Nice girl.  Quiet.  Brilliant.”  Galinda eyed him, and he averted his gaze for half a moment.

“Oh, what did you do?” Galinda asked, dark eyes narrowing as she studied his face.

“Nothing.  Well, not nothing.  I did ask her out.”

“Fiyero!”

“Well, she turned me down.  I believe her exact words were ‘get stuffed.’  I was a gentleman.  I never asked again, especially since I got the strong impression I wasn’t exactly her type.”  He winked at Galinda, and she relaxed in her corner of the couch.  “She’s gorgeous.  I can see why you’re all worked up over her.”

“I’m not…worked up!”  She blushed deeper, and Fiyero smiled.

“Your mouth can lie, but your face certainly can’t.  So, what happened?”

“Well, we kissed.  I mean, she kissed me.  And I kissed her.”

“Your first kiss!”

“Was you when we were fourteen,” Galinda frowned. 

“Correction.  Your first kiss with a woman.  Or am I wrong?  Have you been holding out on me?” Fiyero asked with a little smirk.

“No.  I’m not holding out on you.  Yes, she was my first.”

“And how was it?” Fiyero asked.  Galinda’s face betrayed her unwillingness to share that moment with anyone else.  The smile that beamed over her face was contagious, and Fiyero found himself smiling right back at her. 

“It was…amazing,” she sighed.  And then her shoulders slumped.  “And then she left.”

“She just…left?  So you’re kissing and things are good and then she just leaves?”

“Pretty much,” Galinda frowned.  “Oh, Oz, I’m so confused.  Does that mean she didn’t like it?”

“Has she texted you?”

“No!”

“Have you texted her?”

“Well, no.”

“Why not?”

“What do I say?”

“Well, what would you say?”

“I don’t know,” Galinda groaned.  “Thanks for the great evening.  You’re an amazing kisser.  By the way, why did you run away from me?  I would have really liked to continue with the kissing?”

“Yes, that exactly,” Fiyero said, giving her a thumbs up.

“You’re no help,” Galinda muttered.  She started to reach for a donut in the box Fiyero had placed between them on the couch when her phone buzzed by her leg.  She gasped and let out a little yelp.  Fiyero’s brows shot up.  Galinda glanced down at the phone, and let the donut drop from between her fingers.  She carefully sat her coffee on the coffee table and reached for her phone. 

Her face lit up when she Elphaba’s name. 

“She just texted me.”

“Brilliant.”  Galinda’s smile grew wider.  “And what did the mesmerizing Miss Elphaba have to say for herself?”  Galinda bounced in her seat and turned the phone toward Fiyero. 

Good morning.

“Hmmm.  A little short.  Not exactly an outpouring of love and devotion.  But it’s a start.  Simple and effective.  I like her.”

“Stop it.  What do I say?”

“Oh, I don’t know.  How about ‘good morning?’  It certainly made you smile.  Give it a go.”  He suddenly got up from the couch and started for the door.

“Wait!  Where are you going?”

“Oh, I’ll hear all about this later.  Right now, I have a date.”

“On a Saturday morning?” Galinda asked, wide-eyed and skeptical. 

“Of course.  I have to get this one out of the way so I can rest before my date tonight.”

“You’re disgusting,” Galinda groaned.  “Take your donuts and go.”

“Happy texting,” Fiyero teased, leaning down to kiss her cheek.  “Tell Elphaba the offer still stands.”  She swatted his arm, and he grabbed one more donut for the road.  Once he was gone, Galinda turned her full attention back to her phone.  She bit her bottom lip, took a deep breath and responded.

Good morning!

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Elphaba nearly choked on her sip of coffee when her phone buzzed next to her on the couch.  She coughed and sputtered and quickly leaned over to put her mug down on the end table.  She hadn’t expected such a quick reply, and she’d just settled down on the couch for a few minutes of quiet before getting ready for the day when the reply came through.

With a shaking hand, she picked up her phone and read Galinda’s good morning!  An electric warmth coiled through her chest and wrapped around her heart.  She found herself biting her lip and grinning behind it, unable to contain her excitement in reading those two words.  And of course Galinda had punctuated it with an exclamation mark.  She imagined Galinda Upland was the kind of girl to use lots of emojis and question marks and exclamation marks to get her point across.  She could almost see her sitting at the breakfast table, phone in hand, waiting for a response. 

You’re up early. 

It was simple.  Succinct.  She didn’t need to get wordy with it.  She just wanted to talk to her, to chase the feeling she’d felt last night before she’d screwed it up and left Galinda outside of her apartment building.

I could say the same about you.  Are you always an early riser?

The tip of Elphaba’s tongue poked out of the corner of her mouth, and her heart leapt at Galinda’s almost immediate response. 

I’m a creature of habit. 

Elphaba watched the response bubbles appear as soon as the message delivered.  Her heart danced in her chest.

Early to bed, early to rise?

Something like that.  Sometimes late to bed, early to rise.

And last night?

Galinda’s breath caught in her chest.  She licked her lips and took a shaky breath.

We did lose track of time, didn’t we?  How did you sleep?

Her face felt warm, and she just knew she was grinning like an idiot staring at her phone, but she didn’t care. 

The reply bubbles appeared and disappeared a couple of times before Galinda’s next text came through.

Best night’s sleep ever.  10/10, would recommend. 

Galinda followed up that text with a side eye emoji.  Elphaba snorted.  And just before she could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand.  She dropped it like it had bit her.  Her heart thundered in her chest, and she quickly pushed her glasses up her nose and leaned back against the couch, grabbing her phone and answering before the call dropped. 

And there she was, messy blonde hair pulled back loosely behind her, big brown eyes sparkling from the glow of her phone screen.  She didn’t have a stitch of makeup on, and she was glorious.  And Elphaba wondered how many people Galinda Upland let see her like this first thing in the morning, all cozy and sleepy in her pajamas.  Warmth bloomed in her chest, and she found herself smiling.

“Hi,” Galinda said sweetly.  She was lounging back on the couch, one arm draped behind her propping her head up.  Elphaba swallowed hard.

“Hi,” Elphaba murmured, voice barely above a whisper.  Galinda smiled. 

“Is this a bad time?  Is your roommate sleeping?”

“What?” Elphaba asked.  “No. I’m alone.”  She watched Galinda’s lips spread out in a sleepy grin.  She was impossibly beautiful, her lips soft and pink, a single dimple pressing in on her cheek when she smiled.  “Did you need something?”

“Hmm?” Galinda asked, stretching.  “No. I just wanted to say good morning.”  Elphaba was certain she saw a blush bloom across the bridge of Galinda’s nose.  “I hope you slept better than I did.”  Was that a little pout she saw forming on the blonde’s bottom lip.  Lurlene help her, a coil of heat spread low, settling deep between Elphaba’s thighs.  She squeezed them together, and out of camera view, pinched the side of her leg to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. 

“Sorry you had a rough night,” Elphaba said quietly, studying the blonde’s face.  The only thing she could think about was how she’d left so suddenly after the kiss and how Galinda must have been so confused.  Oz, she was confused.  Not about the kiss.  Not about Galinda.  Just about the way she’d let herself feel so much so quickly.  It wasn’t a bad feeling.  It was new.  Exciting.  A little scary.  It made her blood rush and her heart flutter.  “Galinda?”

“Hmm?”  Galinda blinked at her, one hand resting gently on her chest.  Elphaba’s gaze was drawn to the blonde’s glossy, manicured nails and the way they gently scraped over the pale flesh against her collarbones, leaving little pink marks in their wake.

Elphaba’s stomach flipped.  She suddenly found it hard to swallow or concentrate or do anything but stare at the screen where just the slightest, absent-minded movement of Galinda Upland’s fingertips were driving her absolutely crazy. 

“Elphaba?” Galinda asked, brows raising in question. 

“What?”

“Were you going to say something?”  Galinda’s smile widened, and she bit her bottom lip when Elphaba’s cheeks darkened with embarrassment. 

“Sorry,” she muttered.  “Um, what was I saying?”

“I have no idea,” Galinda sighed with a breathy little giggle.  “Did you want to talk about something?”

Shit.  Elphaba’s heart stuttered in her chest.  She watched Galinda release the lip caught between her teeth. 

“I, uh, I’m glad you called.”

“I’m glad you texted,” Galinda replied.  “I was a little worried you wouldn’t.” 

And there it was.  The opportunity.  Elphaba let out a sharp breath.

“I’m sorry for how I left last night.  Everything happened so fast.”  She watched Galinda sit up a little on the couch, eyes bright with rapt attention.  But she didn’t speak.  Elphaba swallowed.  Hard.  “I-I didn’t want you to think I left like that because I didn’t want—I mean—I didn’t want you to think that I was…”  Her voice faltered, and Galinda narrowed her eyes, an amused little smirk quirking at her lips.  “Your first date with a woman was ruined, and I-I think I might have ruined your first kiss with one, too.” 

“My date wasn’t ruined.  Honestly, getting stood up was the best thing that could have happened.  I had fun with you, Elphie.  And you didn’t ruin anything.”

Elphie.  Elphaba’s heart did another dance.  Nobody had called her Elphie in her entire life.  It was perky and cute, and Oz damn it, she loved the way it sounded coming off of Galinda’s lips.  She was blushing. She was certain of it.  Her face was warm and her pulse was racing. 

“I shouldn’t have taken off like that.  I’m sorry, Galinda,” she said softly.

“Well, you could make it up to me,” Galinda said slowly, fingertip tapping against her bottom lip. 

“Oh.  H-how?” 

“What are you doing today?”

“Today?  I was going to work on my book.”  To be honest, the last thing on her mind was her book, but she didn’t want to sound overeager.  The fact that Galinda had responded to her text let along called her after how she’d took off last night felt like a small miracle.  She honestly wasn’t sure what she’d done to get so lucky.

“What’s it about?”

“What?”

“What are you writing?” Galinda asked.  “I was very serious when I told you I’d be happy to read whatever you want to share.  I have quite the collection of steamy novels.”

“It’s not steamy,” Elphaba insisted. 

“Sure, Elphie.  Whatever you say.”  She grinned, and Elphaba found herself grinning back.  “I know you don’t share with people you know…we barely know each other, though after that kiss last night, I feel like I know you a little better.” 

Elphaba’s breath caught in her throat, and she coughed.  Hard.  Galinda smirked.  “I don’t have a single thing planned for today.  I’d hate to distract you from writing your masterpiece, but if you decide you do need a distraction, you know where to find me.”  She smiled and stretched again, and Elphaba wondered if it was too soon to sprint out the door and get in her car and drive across town to see what kind of distractions Galinda had in mind. 

But going over to the apartment of a gorgeous woman she was already wildly attracted to was probably not the smartest idea.  Considering how a simple video call had her body thrumming was not indicative of wise life choices being made today.

“Would you maybe want to go see a movie with me?” Elphaba finally asked.  Galinda perked up a little, a smile spreading over her face.

“That depends.”

“On what?” Elphaba asked slowly.

“Are you asking me on a second date?”

“You’re saying we had a first?” Elphaba asked, a little chuckle falling from her lips.

“We ate ice cream together, I put my number in your phone, and you kissed me like nobody’s ever kissed me before.  I’m no expert, but I think that was a date.”  She winked.  She fucking winked.  Elphaba was glad she was sitting down, because she felt her legs go weak.  “So, are you asking me on a second date?”

“I—”  Elphaba fumbled on the word, hand playing absently with the hem of her tank top just out of screen view.  “I don’t think I have a choice.”

“No?” Galinda asked, fingers sweeping playfully over her collarbones.  Elphaba swallowed back the urge to moan.

“If I don’t ask you on a second date, then that means our one and only date ended with me running off.  That won’t do.”

“No, it won’t,” Galinda agreed with a smirk.  “Absolutely not.”

“I can do better.”

“Oh, I’m sure you can,” Galinda winked.  A jolt surged right through Elphaba, and her thighs squeezed together tightly.  Her jaw tensed, and she sucked in a sharp breath through her nose.  “Are we meeting up, or do you want to pick me up?”

“I’m absolutely not letting my date order a ride to our date.  I’ll pick you up.”

“Oh,” Galinda murmured, eyebrow quirking, dimple dimpling.  “How romantic.”  Elphaba blushed deeply.  “What time?”

“How about five?  We can eat first.”

“Perfect,” Galinda smiled, biting her bottom lip, stretching back on the couch.

“I’ll see you at five, then?”

“It’s a date,” Galinda winked.  Elphaba smiled, and Galinda smiled right back, and they both lingered on the call a few moments longer.  Finally, with a dreamy sigh, Galinda hung up first, leaving Elphaba grinning like a fool at her dark phone screen.

*~*~*~*

Galinda fumbled her phone the second the call disconnected.  She lay there, staring at the ceiling for a moment, eyes wide, lips parting as she worked herself up to a good squeal.  Hands over her face, she kicked her legs and muffled the triumphant, exhilarated scream in her palms. 

When she calmed and stilled, she uncovered her face and took a few deep breaths, replaying the last few minutes in her head, hands shaking with unadulterated happiness. 

She hadn’t even meant to video call Elphaba.  Her finger had slipped, and when Elphaba had answered, she’d decided to play it off as intentional, and somehow she’d still secured herself another outing with the beautiful stranger who’d come into her life at precisely the right moment. 

She felt light headed and giddy, and her heart felt like it was doing the mambo against her ribcage.  Her face was flushing and tingling, and she was certain she was still smiling.

She still couldn’t believe herself.  She’d flirted and smiled and maintained as much composure as she could possibly dig her nails into, and she was getting a second date.  With a woman.  The woman who’d kissed her and left her craving more.

Galinda knew she’d always been a flirt.  She was always popular and outgoing.  But last night she’d felt unsure of herself after Elphaba had left her out on the sidewalk.  Perhaps it was the being stood up at the beginning of the night and the being left at the end of it that had knocked her off balance.  She’d spent the entire night tossing and turning and falling into little twilight sleeps just skimming the surface of consciousness, and her mind wouldn’t shut off.  She’d wondered if maybe Elphaba had regretted kissing her.  Maybe she hadn’t been any good at it.  But when she’d seen Elphaba’s face smiling at her on that screen, her confidence had come back tenfold. 

And now she was a giggling, giddy mess on the couch, mentally scrolling through her wardrobe choices and planning the perfect movie date outfit.

But before she could pair the perfect skirt with the perfect top, her phone buzzed against her chest, and she gasped.  She lifted it up, heart almost stopping when she saw Elphaba’s name in her notifications.  She bit her lip and opened the message, her eyes brightening when she saw the text.

Do you wake up that pretty every morning?

Her giggle came out so shrill it was practically a screech. She bit the tip of her tongue and tapped out something equally flirty, feeling lighter than a cloud.

Maybe you’ll find out for yourself sometime.

Her thumb hesitated briefly before hitting send.  She stared at the message a little too hard for about a minute and a half before Elphaba’s response came through.

Bold of you to assume this goes past tonight.  There’s still time to mess this up.

I have faith in you.  Spoiler alert: I’m going to say yes to a third date, even if you do mess this up.

There was a brief pause.  And then Elphaba’s response.

Who says it’ll be me messing this up?  Besides, we might find out we can’t stand each other after the rush of that kiss wears off.

This was promptly followed by a winking emoji that made Galinda kick her feet and giggle.

Rude!  I’m a delight, and you’ll be planning that third date before we even get to the movies.  See you at five, Elphie.

Notes:

Thank you all so much for the feedback on the first two chapters! It made me so happy! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! Let me know! Thank you!!! <3

Chapter 4

Notes:

Thank you all so much! I'm overwhelmed by the wonderful comments. They make me so happy! Thank you so much! Please keep them coming. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter and our girls enjoying each other. :)

Chapter 4

At promptly 4:58 pm Elphaba Thropp parked her sleek black car in front of Galinda Upland’s apartment building.  She felt those nervous flutters in her stomach and in her chest when she glanced in the mirror.  She’d pulled her braids back at one side, twisting them into a simple, pretty design over one ear while the rest hung freely over her shoulders. 

She’d used just enough eyeliner to make her green eyes really stand out—not that that had ever been an issue—and just enough gloss to her lips to deepen their natural color.  Despite her nerves, she felt good.  She still couldn’t get the image of Galinda all sleepy and disheveled out of her mind and wondered if she’d also paced around her apartment all giddy and anxious after their conversation that morning.  Just the idea of it made Elphaba’s lips quirk into a smile.

She glanced at her phone.  5:00 pm on the dot.  She opened her messages and tapped one out quickly.

I’m here.

Look at you, Miss Prompt.

I sat in my car for two minutes before I texted you.

That’s adorable. Come on up!  I’m almost ready.  I’m in 729. 

In the passenger’s seat was a single pink poppy flower.  She had no idea what Galinda’s favorite flower was, but the second she saw the pretty pink flower, she’d thought of the blonde and wanted to give it to her.  She clutched the stem in one hand and her phone in the other. 

Elphaba took a deep breath and got out of the car.  She smoothed out the front of her shirt—a light blue, form fitting button down—and stuck her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.  She’d gone for casual and comfortable but not too casual.  Her denim jeans were black and the legs were swallowed up by a pair of sleek black boots with a tall heel. 

As she was walking up to the front doors, she looked down.  The first three buttons on her shirt were undone, and she quickly buttoned them back up, one by one.  No.  That didn’t feel right.  She unbuttoned the top one.  She frowned and unbuttoned another.  Better. 

Her hands were already sweating as she stepped through the doors.  Her heels clicked on the tile floor of the lobby, and she stepped up to the elevator and pushed the button, fingers trembling.  She took a few shaking breaths, willing herself to calm down.  But she couldn’t.  Not really.  This was the first time she’d be seeing Galinda in person after that kiss.  And she knew she was going to look positively stunning in whatever she picked out to wear.

The elevator ride up to the seventh floor was excruciating.  The pink poppy trembled in her sweating hand, and she wiped the back of her other hand over her brow. 

She let out a slow, shaking breath when the elevator beeped, announcing her arrival to her intended floor.  And before she knew it, she was standing in front of Galinda Upland’s door.  Number 729.  One hand was poised to knock, but before she could do that, the door swung open, and Galinda greeted her with a dimpled smile, bottom lip caught between her teeth in a way that made Elphaba’s knees tremble. 

“Hi,” Elphaba blurted out, a little hoarsely, extending her hand out with the flower clutched between her fingers.  Galinda gasped softly, reaching out to take the pretty flower in her own delicate hand. 

“Elphie, it’s beautiful,” she murmured.  “Thank you.”  Her blonde hair was loose over her shoulders, curled and bouncy.  Her lips were a soft, glossy wine color, and she smelled like warm vanilla.  She’d chosen casual comfortable as well in a pink shirt and a pair of blue jeans that hugged her hips and thighs in the most delicious way.  On her feet was a pair of short, toeless heels—pink of course—that showed off her perfect pedicure.  “Would you like to come in?  I’m almost ready.”  Elphaba nodded quickly and followed her into the apartment.

The living room was large, the centerpiece a comfortable white sofa with soft pink throw pillows on each end.  There were little splashes of pink here and there, hints of Galinda’s personality.  It certainly didn’t look like a typical college student’s apartment.  Elphaba cringed thinking of Boq’s place and how his idea of home décor was the stack of stale pizza boxes on the wobbly coffee table. 

Galinda moved to stand in front of the mirror by the front door, quickly putting in her earrings.  They were simple and looked like diamonds, only they were a soft pink color.

“This place is great,” Elphaba said quietly, hands tucked into her back pockets as she looked around the room.  “Do you live here alone?” 

“Mmmhmm,” Galinda smiled.  “Momsie and Popsicle thought having a roommate would be too much of a distraction.  So, here I am. Thankfully my friend Fiyero stops by from time to time to make sure I’m not too bored.”  She grinned, and Elphaba chuckled.  A glimmer of realization sparkled in her eye.

“Wait, Fiyero?  You mean Fiyero Tigelaar?”

“Oh, that’s right.  You know him, don’t you?  He said you had literature class together?”  Elphaba nodded and then a little smirk played on her lips. 

“You talked to him about me?”

“Of course!” Galinda gasped.  “How could I not?  I had a great time.  I had to share with someone.”  She smiled, and Elphaba noticed that distractifying dimple, and her breath caught in her throat.  Galinda got the back on the last earring and turned to face Elphaba again.

“So Fiyero is your friend?”

“Best friend,” she nodded.  “We met in high school when his parents moved to Frottica from Winkie Country.”

“Oh,” Elphaba said with a little nod. 

“He already told me he asked you out.  I believe the words he said you used were….’get stuffed.’”  Galinda laughed.  “He’s not used to rejection.  I’m certain you knocked his world off its axis for a brief moment.  Don’t worry, it hasn’t affected his dating game in the least.” 

“Thank goodness,” Elphaba deadpanned, getting a giggle out of the blonde.  Galinda’s laugh was like music, and Elphaba found herself smiling, lost in the scent of her and the sparkle in her eyes.  “You look amazing, by the way.”  Galinda’s smile softened, and Elphaba was certain she saw her blush. 

“Thank you, Elphie,” she murmured sweetly.  “So do you.  Blue’s a great color on you.”  Elphaba glanced down at her shirt, smoothing her hand over the front of it for a moment. 

“Th-thank you.  Are you ready?”

“Not quiet.  Can we get something out of the way first?” Galinda asked, tone lowering just a touch, eyes widening, lips pursing seriously. 

“Oh, ok.  Sure.”  Elphaba eyed her.  The blonde took a tentative step toward Elphaba, a nervous little smile playing on her lips.

“I’ll admit I’m a little nervous,” Galinda pointed out.  “I’ve spent the entire afternoon looking forward to tonight.  I’ve been thinking about last night and building up what I want tonight to be in my head, and I just feel like if we get it out of the way first thing, we won’t spend the entire date wondering how it’s going to end.”  Elphaba’s brows knit together in confusion, and Galinda’s brows rose in expectation. 

“What are you saying?”

“I’m trying to ask you to kiss me, Elphie.”  Galinda worried her perfectly kissable bottom lip between her teeth, and Elphaba’s heart stuttered in her chest.  She took a deep breath and took a step toward Galinda.  “I feel like if you don’t kiss me now, I’ll positively die.”

“You’re a little dramatic,” Elphaba chuckled, warmth spreading through her chest in the most intoxicating way.

“I really am,” Galinda sighed.  “But that kiss is all I can think about, and I’m afraid if you don’t kiss me right now, it’s all I’m going to think about for the rest of the evening, and I just—”  Elphaba’s lips were on hers in an instant, soft and tender, bottom lip catching on Galinda’s upper lip.  The blonde gasped softly before relaxing and leaning into the kiss.  Her arms came to wrap around Elphaba’s shoulders.  Elphaba’s hands lingered at her waist.  A tentative swipe of her tongue over Galinda’s glossy bottom lip had the blonde moaning and opening up to her. 

Elphaba felt dizzy with need.  She silently cursed herself for giving in, because now it was all she was going to think about. 

Another little moan escaped Galinda’s throat, and Elphaba pulled back.  Galinda chased the kiss, and Elphaba let her, sucking her bottom lip between her own before releasing it with a soft pop.  Galinda let out a shaky breath, eyelids fluttering open.  Elphaba stared at her, watching the pink flush of her cheeks deepen.  She was beautiful, and Elphaba wanted nothing more than to kiss her again.  But she knew if she did, they’d probably never leave the apartment, and she was determined to follow through with her plans for this date. 

“Wow,” Galinda murmured, tongue darting out to lick her lips, the taste of Elphaba’s kiss still lingering there. 

“Are you ready?” Elphaba asked, face warming by the moment under Galinda’s gaze.  The blonde nodded, eyes fluttering as she sobered herself.  She grabbed her purse and her phone and reached for Elphaba’s hand. 

“I’m ready,” she murmured, a little out of breath, a little unsteady on her feet.  Elphaba, found herself curling her fingers with Galinda’s, reveling in the soft warmth and the way Galinda’s hand squeezed hers just a little.  The way her heart was doing somersaults in her chest, she wasn’t certain she would survive the evening.  But, Oz, she was more than willing to take that chance.

*~*~*~*

Elphaba barely remembered dinner.  They stopped at a little café about a mile from the theater.  She’d eaten something savory, and she was certain there was dessert.  But the only thing she could remember from the meal was the way Galinda kept gazing at her across the table.  The cafe had been too noisy for much conversation, but in their little corner, over their plates of food, it was felt like the only thing that existed was time and the two of them. 

Now, they were seated in the theater.  She’d let Galinda choose the movie, and she’d picked out something romantic, gently poking her in the ribs and pointing out how it could be inspiration.  For the book, of course.

When the lights had dimmed in the theater, Elphaba felt a gentle hand nudge against hers.  She’d looked out of the corner of her eye to see if Galinda was looking at her.  The blonde was intently focused on the move screen, but a coy smile played at her lips.  Elphaba had only smiled to herself and entwined her fingers with Galinda’s, gently running a thumb over her knuckles.  The smallest squeeze of Galinda’s fingers had every nerve alight.  She couldn’t focus on the movie, only on the warmth and softness of Galinda’s hand in hers and the way she could still feel Galinda’s lips pressed against hers.  It was all she could do to get through the movie without kissing her again.  She wasn’t certain the blonde would even object, but they were in a crowded theater, and Elphaba didn’t want to turn their date into a spectacle. 

At one point, Galinda had even leaned in just a little, resting her head on Elphaba’s shoulder, and the scent of her shampoo had Elphaba’s mind reeling.  And all the while, Galinda’s fingers were there, warm and soft in her hand, and all she could think about was how those fingers might feel in other, less innocent places. 

About halfway through the movie that Elphaba couldn’t concentrate on long enough to follow the plot, Galinda let go of her hand and leaned over to quietly excuse herself for a moment.  Elphaba watched her get up and go and shifted in her seat.  About two minutes later, Elphaba’s phone buzzed in her pocket.  She bit her lip and quickly glanced at her phone.  The white light caught her some disapproving glares by other movie goers, but the second she saw the message, she suddenly didn’t care.

Back row.  Center.

Elphaba swallowed hard and tucked her phone back into her pocket.  She glanced over her shoulder, barely able to see anything over the bright beam from the movie projector.  She stood then, quickly shuffling out of the row and making her way up the steps toward the back row.  It was empty, save for the blonde sitting directly in the center under the beam of the projector.

Elphaba made her way down the row to sit next to her, and Galinda eyed her briefly as she lowered herself into the seat.  She wanted to speak, wanted to ask her why she’d moved, but it would have been a silly question with only one answer.  Galinda leaned over then, fingers gently tracing down the line of Elphaba’s jaw.  She shivered under her touch and closed her eyes as the blonde boldly moved forward to kiss her.  But just as their lips touched, a small group of people entered the row with full buckets of popcorn.  Galinda pulled back with a frustrated sigh and leveled a look at the intruders that none of them noticed in the darkness of the theater.

Elphaba smirked and linked her fingers with Galinda’s once again, bringing her other arm across her body to rub Galinda’s arm softly.  She glanced at her briefly, and Galinda smiled before resting her head on Elphaba’s shoulder once again.

When the movie was over, Galinda and Elphaba made their way back to Elphaba’s car hand in hand.  The sun was low in the sky, streaks of pink and orange painted the dazzling sunset.  Galinda sighed softly as they approached the car. 

“Did you like the movie?” she asked quietly.

“Sure.  It was pretty good,” Elphaba offered with a shrug.

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“Nothing,” Galinda grinned.

“What?  It was fine.  I liked it,” Elphaba pointed out.

“What was the main character’s name?” Galinda asked, a sparkle in her eyes.  Her dimple sunk in, and Elphaba bit the inside of her cheek.

“Shit.”  She smiled sheepishly.  “I’ll be honest.  I couldn’t concentrate.  Your hand was distracting me.”

“Oh, Elphie.  You flirt,” Galinda teased.

“What was the main character’s name?” Elphaba asked, rubbing her hand over her flushed face. 

“I have no idea,” Galinda laughed, biting her bottom lip and turning to face Elphaba.  “All I could think about was kissing you again, and I almost got what I wanted until we were rudely interrupted.”

“Rudely interrupted by the paying movie goers that stepped out for a popcorn refill?”  At Galinda’s pout, she smirked.  “They should be publicly shamed and thrown in the dungeons of the royal palace.”

“Exactly,” Galinda smiled. 

“So it didn’t work.”

“What didn’t work?” Galinda asked, blinking at her.

“You asked me to kiss you before we left so you wouldn’t keep thinking about it all night.”  She smirked when Galinda blushed.

“Well, Miss Elphaba, I guess that just means you’re going to have to kiss me again.”  She cocked her head to the side, reaching out to take both of Elphaba’s hands in hers.  Elphaba felt a cool evening breeze swirl around them, watched Galinda’s hair catch in it and majestically flow on the current for a brief moment.  Her eyes were impossibly dark, her lips curved into a gentle smile. 

All Elphaba wanted to do in that very moment was give her everything she wanted.

She wasn’t sure who leaned in first.  It didn’t honestly matter.  But in moments, they were kissing again, Galinda’s fingers tugging on the belt loops of Elphaba’s jeans to pull her closer.  Elphaba sighed against the kiss, opening up as Galinda took the lead, tongue slipping against Elphaba’s mouth, a silent beg for more. 

Elphaba’s arms curled around Galinda’s waist, pulling her closer, opening up to her and giving the blonde what she needed, giving herself what she wanted.  Her heart was pounding in her chest, and for a moment, everything felt charged, electric, swirling in her chest and waking up every nerve ending, leaving every inch of her craving more. 

The tension coiling low in her belly spread lower, and she squeezed her legs together.  She was embarrassingly wet, and the little moans escaping Galinda’s mouth weren’t helping matters any.  And Elphaba knew if she didn’t stop now, they might both make a decision they weren’t quite ready for.  Still, her body betrayed her sound mind, and her hands began to wander, roaming down the curve of Galinda’s hips and then up and over the map of her spine.  Galinda’s arms were up around her neck, her body was pressed in so close that there wasn’t an inch between them.  Galinda felt good.  She smelled good.  She tasted like cherries.  

And she had to stop. 

Elphaba’s hands were on her shoulders then, gently pushing back.  The kiss broke, and Galinda leaned in, forehead pressed against Elphaba’s. 

“How are you so good at that?” Galinda whispered.  “Oz, I’ve never felt anything like this.”  Elphaba swallowed hard, wanting to respond, uncertain if she should.  She closed her eyes and let her breathing slow before she dragged them open again.  “Elphie?”

“Hmmm?”

“About that third date…”  Galinda pulled back, eyelashes batting innocently.  Elphaba smirked.

“Third?  I’m already thinking about the fifth.”

“How scandalocious,” Galinda breathed.  And then she leaned in again.  “The fifth date is an important one, you know.”

“Oh?”

“Absolutely,” Galinda nodded.  “It requires appointments and shopping beforehand.”  She winked.  “I love a fifth date.”  She turned then and started toward the car again.  Elphaba took a brief step forward, legs weak like a newborn foal.  But she managed to make her way to the car and slide into the driver’s seat.  Galinda was already reapplying her lip gloss.  Elphaba felt her heart stutter in her chest.  She didn’t want the evening to end.  Still, they had a little time.  So she started the car and pulled out of the lot, turning in the opposite direction they’d come from.  Galinda noticed immediately.

“My apartment’s back that way.  Where are we going?”

“We’re taking the scenic route,” Elphaba pointed out, easing back into her seat as she pulled out into traffic.  Galinda relaxed a little, a little grin pulling at her lips. 

They drove around the city, taking in the lights and bustle of people weaving in and out of store fronts and dining under strings of patio lights.  Soon, the city lights were behind them, and Elphaba took the road that curved alongside the Gillikin river.  As the pink and orange sunset hues faded into darkness, only the light of the moon danced over the choppy river waters.  Galinda was quiet as she stared out the window, watching the river curve and glide alongside them  until the road veered off and Elphaba turned back toward town.

Galinda’s hand slipped easily into Elphaba’s on the console, and by the time Elphaba pulled up outside of Galinda’s apartment building, neither one of them were in a hurry to get out of the car.

“I had a great time,” Galinda offered with a smile, turning slightly in her seat.  “Do you want to come up?”

“I do,” Elphaba admitted a little too quickly.  “But I shouldn’t.”  Galinda blushed.  “I had a good time too, even if I don’t have any idea what movie we just watched or what we had for dinner.”  Galinda laughed then, her shoulders shaking as she leaned back in the seat.  “Friday?”

“Hmm?”

“I mean,” Elphaba chuckled, “are you free Friday?”

“I’m free,” Galinda offered with a little smile.  “If you’re asking me out, I’m definitely free.”

“I’m asking,” Elphaba smiled.  “Come on.  I’ll walk you up.”

“How chivalrous.”

“I wouldn’t say that.  I’m only walking you to the front door.  You’ll have to see yourself to your apartment, because if I walk in that building, I’m not going to want to walk back out.”  Galinda’s breath hitched in her chest at the admission, and Elphaba’s face warmed significantly.  

“I appreciate the honesty,” Galinda smiled.  “Though I wouldn’t be opposed…”

“I know.  That’s why I’m drawing the line,” Elphaba blushed.  “I really like you.”

“I like you too, Elphie,” Galinda murmured, biting her bottom lip in that way that drove Elphaba crazy.  Elphaba’s heart was pumping so fast, she was certain it might give out. 

Galinda was the first to move, sliding out of the car and grabbing her purse.  Elphaba took a deep breath and stepped out, walking up to the front of the building with her, keeping a little space between them.  Her palms were damp, and she rubbed them on the sides of her jeans.  Galinda’s heels clicked against the concrete until they stopped at the lobby doors. 

“So,” Galinda smiled.  “Friday night.”

“Friday,” Elphaba agreed.

“Will you call me tomorrow?  If you’re not too busy writing the next great Ozian novel, that is.”  Elphaba snorted.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” she promised.  “Good night.”

“Good night, Elphie,” she smiled sweetly.  Then, slowly, Elphaba leaned in to press a brief but tender kiss to the blonde’s lips.  It was over quickly, but a smile lingered between the both of them. 

“Tomorrow,” Elphaba promised before turning and heading back to her car, feeling more confident than she’d felt in a long time.  

Her phone buzzed the second she got in the car. 

Third date.  I told you so.  And you said maybe we wouldn’t be able to stand each other.

Elphaba found herself grinning like an idiot.  She looked back toward the building.  Galinda was gone, already on her way up to her apartment.

I stand by what I said.  The rush of that kiss hasn’t worn off.  I’ll get back to you.

She followed up with a winking emoji, and Galinda was responding immediately.

Goodness, we’d better figure it out before the fifth date comes along, because I’ve already got plans of my own.

Galinda attached a kissy face emoji that made Elphaba giggle. She giggled.  She wasn’t certain she’d ever giggled in her life. Elphaba took a deep breath and sent one last text before tucking her phone away so she could safely drive home.

Oh?  Now this I can’t wait to see.

Chapter 5

Notes:

Wow! What can I say? Thanks to all of you who've left me such amazing, kind comments! I appreciate you all so much! I really hope you enjoy this chapter. Please let me know!

Chapter 5

Nyemma leaned against the balcony railing, peering out over Snow Hill.  The new moon left the village in darkness, and the faint yellow glow from the windows of cabins dotting the mountainside were like stars in the night sky. 

Inside the quaint cabin, Nyemma could hear the rustling of fabric, and the breathy giggles as Elosia tried on her wedding dress and admired the image of herself in the full length mirror. 

“Nemma?  Can you come help me with the back?”  Nyemma glanced over her shoulder, her dark eyes rimmed red from the tears she’d shed in secret.  She stiffened, fingers tightening around the stem of her wine glass.  She brought the glass to her lips and drank the last of the deep, red liquid in one gulp.  She placed the empty glass on the flat railing and walked, shoulders back, into the cabin.

Elosia stood in a pristine, white dress, billowy tulle swishing around her ankles like a bell as she swayed back and forth.  Her auburn hair was curled and loose around her shoulders.  Her green eyes sparkled when she caught sight of Nyemma. 

“Well, what do you think?” 

Nyemma wasn’t certain if it was the second glass of wine making her head swim and her blood simmer.  What she was certain of was that Elosia had never looked happier. 

“You’re beautiful.”  Her voice was barely above a whisper.  Elosia’s smile faded into something more uncertain, more surprised.  Her brows raised just a little, and her lips parted in a sharp intake of breath.  “I-I mean, you look beautiful.  Leander’s a lucky man.”  At that, Elosia’s shoulders fell just a little, and she let out a breath she’d been holding.

“Lucky,” Elosia said with a little nod, the smile on her lips more somber than happy.  “I suppose I’m the lucky one.  He is a good man, Nemma.”  Nyemma nodded in agreement.  It was one thing they certainly could agree upon.  As much as she wanted to hate the man that was marrying her best friend and moving her halfway across the country, she was certain he was a good man.  He did love Elosia.  And Elosia had been planning this wedding since after their first date.  It had seemed so silly at the time, but she’d been so certain.  So why did everything suddenly feel wrong?  Even Elosia’s smile was wrong. 

Nyemma took a deep breath and put on her best smile, stepping forward to place her hands on Elosia’s bare shoulders.  Her thumbs absently brushed over her freckled collarbones.  Elosia’s smile softened for a moment before her brow furrowed in concern. 

“Have you been crying?”

A knock at Elphaba’s bedroom door startled her, and she turned at her desk to see Nessa at her doorway.

“Sorry, Fabala.  I didn’t mean to scare you.”  She guided her chair into Elphaba’s room.  She crinkled her nose when she realized Elphaba was working on her book.  “Sorry for interrupting.”

“That’s alright,” Elphaba sighed.  “I’m still trying to figure out the end.”

“Still?”

“Yeah.  I’m still deciding on some things.  I feel like if I end it one way, it’ll be too cliché.  I feel like if I end it the other way, it won’t be true to the characters.”  She ran her hand over her face and pushed back from her desk.  She closed her file, swiveled the chair around and gave her sister her undivided attention.  “What’s up?”

“Well, if you need a sounding board, I’d be happy to listen, but I know how protective you are of your characters.”  Nessa waved her hand in the direction of the computer with a huff which earned a smirk from Elphaba.  “You know how much I love a good steamy romance.”

“Why does everyone think all I’m writing is sex?” Elphaba asked with a heavy sigh.  Nessa laughed. 

“Well, I guess we just have to use our imaginations since you’re so secretive about it, Fabala.”  Elphaba rolled her eyes.  “I’m sure it’ll be amazing, whatever route you go.”  Her eyes went wide.  “Oh!  You could do a cliffhanger.  If it’s a love triangle thing, you could leave the audience hanging on who the main character chooses.”

“Absolutely not!” Elphaba choked out. 

“So there is a love triangle,” Nessa smirked, brow raised.  Elphaba’s face fell. 

“What do you want, Nessa?” Elphaba finally asked, voice tinged with exasperation.  Nessa smiled sheepishly.

“Do you have plans today?”

“Just this.  Why?”

“Well, Boq’s coming over.”

“Oh.” 

“You don’t have to go.  We were just going to watch a movie,” Nessa pointed out, brows raised innocently.

“Mmmhmm.”  Elphaba grabbed her laptop and reached for her backpack. 

“Really, Fabala.  Just because he’s coming over doesn’t mean we’re going to do anything.”  Elphaba smirked at her, and she rolled her eyes. 

“Even so, I think I’ll make myself scarce for a few hours.” She stood, but Nessa didn’t move.  She watched her expectantly.  Elphaba hoisted her backpack over one shoulder.  “What?”

“You were awfully quiet over breakfast this morning.  And every time I looked at you, you looked like your head was in the clouds.  I take it your date went well last night.”  Elphaba’s face went hot immediately.  She couldn’t help the little smile that tugged at her lips.  “Oh, I know that look.  You like this girl.  Have you called her?”  Elphaba glanced at her.  “What are you waiting for?”

“I—I’m not waiting.  She didn’t sleep well the night before.  I’m giving her time,” Elphaba stammered.  Nessa’s jaw dropped in that annoying, little sister’s about to give her big sister shit for what she just said type of way. 

“Oh, so you know how she slept, do you?”  Nessa wheeled herself closer, and Elphaba plopped back down in her desk chair, one hand covering her eyes.  “That’s adorable.  Tell me all about it.”

“No.”

“Why not?!  I tell you about my dates.”

“In excruciating detail sometimes,” Elphaba deadpanned.  Nessa glared. 

“Oh, come on.  This is good, Fabala.  You’re happy, which makes me happy.  So I wanna know all about this girl that makes you smile over waffles and blush—yes, you’re blushing—when you check your phone.”  Elphaba wanted to reply with some snarky comment about Nessa’s own love life, but she couldn’t help the smile that lit up her face.

“She’s…I don’t know how to describe her.  She’s beautiful and sweet and fun.”  Nessa’s face softened and her hand moved to her chest.  “I really like her.”

“And I take it she really likes you if she’s got you all lit up like that.”  Nessa giggled and clapped her hands together when the green of Elphaba’s cheeks darkened.  “Oh, I approve.  I haven’t even met her, but I like her already.  When do I get to meet her, anyway?”

Elphaba sighed with relief when a knock came to the front door. 

“Oh look, your boyfriend’s here.  That’s my cue to leave.”  Elphaba stood then and hurried past her sister and out of the room.  Nessa was right behind her.

“Hey, it’s my job to give you a hard time.  I get a pass.  I’m your favorite sister.”

“You’re my only sister.”

“Well, you’re always teasing me about Boq.”  Elphaba snorted.  Her little sister did have a point. 

“I promise you’ll meet her when I’m ready for you to,” Elphaba decided. 

“So for now you’re going to keep her all to yourself, just like your novel.”

“Something like that, yeah.”

“Oh, you’re impossible.”

“Accepted,” Elphaba winked, opening the front door.  Boq’s eyes widened in surprise when Elphaba brushed past him on her way out. 

“Morning, Elphaba,” he called. 

“Morning, Boq,” she called back, glancing over her shoulder.  “Have fun, Nessa!”

*~*~*~*

Galinda had decided to take advantage of the early morning light, so she’d settled out in the chair on the balcony, knees pulled up with a sketch pad leaned against them.  One hand kept the pad steady while the other worked on the shading around one particularly expressive eye.  She stilled her hand and cocked her head to the side, admiring the face she’d been working on since sunrise.  She kept coming back to those eyes.  Deep and expressive and soulful.  She already knew the exact color they’d be if this was a color portrait. 

Her phone buzzed on the patio table, and she reached over to grab it, narrowly avoiding knocking her coffee cup over.  Her face lit up when she saw Elphaba’s name scroll across her screen. 

“Hey,” she said sweetly, setting her pad and pencil aside to give Elphie all of her attention.  “You called.”

“I said I would,” Elphaba pointed out.  “Did you sleep better?”

“Mmm,” Galinda hummed.  “I had the best dream.”  There was a pause.

“Do I get to hear about it?”

“Nope,” Galinda teased.  “It’s quite scandalocious, and I blame it all on you.”  Elphaba chuckled, soft and low.

“Well, I think I can take it.”  Galinda found herself grinning and getting up to walk back into the apartment. 

“I’m not so sure about that,” Galinda laughed.  “What are you up to?”

“I’m looking for a quiet place to write where I can concentrate.  Three’s a crowd at home,” Elphaba chuckled.  “My sister’s boyfriend came over, and I really didn’t want to be there.”

“Oh, and before noon?  Good for them.” 

“Yeah,” Elphaba grumbled. 

“So, you live with your sister, huh?”

“Mmmhmm.  She moved with me when I came here for school.  Now she’s in school and we’re both pretty busy.  We get along alright though.”

“That’s good,” Galinda smiled.  “I always wanted a sister.”  She paced around the couch once, twice, three times.  Finally she sat and hugged her knees to her chest. 

“What are you doing today?”

“So far I managed to eat breakfast, drink half a cup of coffee and work on a new sketch.” 

“Sketch?  You draw?” Elphaba asked.  Galinda blushed, the realization dawning on her that they had a lot to learn about each other.

“Yeah.  I’m an art major.  I didn’t tell you that, did I?”

“No,” Elphaba said quietly.  “I feel bad that I didn’t even ask.  We’ve talked about my writing.  What do you draw?”

“Portraits.  People.  I paint a little, but I’ve been doing little sketches and doodles since I was old enough to hold a crayon in my chubby little hand.  My granny always said I had a knack for it.  I just assumed she was saying that because she was biased and I was her only grandchild.” 

“That’s amazing.  I’d love to see some of your work.  Or do you not share?”

“I share,” Galinda chuckled.  “Most of it, anyway.”

“Oh?” Elphaba asked, voice lilting a little in curiosity.  “Now I’m intrigued.”

“Well, Miss Elphaba, you might earn yourself a peek if you play your cards right.”  She bit her lip, blushing fiercely as Elphaba’s soft, smooth laugh tickled her ear.  She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned back against the couch.  “Do you want to come over?  You can write and I can draw, and we can both behave ourselves.”  There was a moment of silence and then a breathy laugh.

“Somehow I doubt that.”

“Don’t trust yourself, huh?” Galinda teased, biting her bottom lip as her hand absently skimmed over the exposed patch of skin between the bottom of her tank top and the top of her sleep shorts.  The heavy, electric feeling that coiled through her ribs and around her heart had her blood rushing, and she let out a slow, soft sigh.  “Elphie?”

“Hmm?”  The low voice in her ear made her heart quicken. 

“Come over anyway.  I promise I’ll behave.”  Her fingers slipped just past the waistband of her shorts.

“You and I both know that’s not happening.”  She could practically hear Elphaba’s smirk over the phone.  She whined in frustration. 

“Elphieeee,” she sighed. 

“Galinda?”

“I’d still respect you in the morning.” 

“You’re ridiculous.  All of this because of a dream?”

“It was a really good dream.”  She heard Elphaba sigh softly over the phone.  “Where are you?”

“Just parked at the library.”

“That’s too far away,” the blonde whined.

“Are you…are you pouting?”

“No,” Galinda pouted.  She withdrew her hand from her shorts, fingertips absently swirling around her naval.  “I miss you.” 

“Me too,” Elphaba admitted.  “Trust me, I’d rather be at your place than here, but if I plan on getting any writing done, this is for the best.  I consider myself disciplined, but…”

“But?” Galinda smiled, fingertips trailing up her stomach and between her breasts, finally resting over her heart. 

“I think you know,” Elphaba said quietly.  Galinda’s breath caught in her throat, and she chewed her bottom lip between her teeth.  There was a stretch of silence on the phone.  Galinda could hear nothing but Elphaba’s breath.  Her face flushed, and she stretched back on the couch, hand grazing against her neck as she thought about the weight of what Elphaba hadn’t said. 

“Elphie, are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m here.” 

“What if I’m not any good at it?”  Her fingers curled into her shirt, tugging anxiously as she waited for Elphaba’s response.

“W-what?” Elphaba stammered, choking on the word. 

“Well, I’ve never been with a girl—woman—before.  What if I’m not any good?”  Her finger twirled around a strand of golden hair, and she waited, breath caught in her throat. 

“Who says I’m any good?”

“Well, you’ve done it before, right?”

“W-well, yes.”  She could feel the tension in Elphaba’s voice through the phone.  She grimaced. 

“So what if I’m not…”

“Galinda,” Elphaba sighed, “it doesn’t matter.  You just do what feels comfortable for you.  What feels right.  And you let your partner know what does and doesn’t feel good.  And they should be letting you know the same things.”

“Communication,” Galinda said softly.

“Right.”

“Elphie?”  Galinda worried her lip between her teeth again, face flushing brightly as she prepared for her next words. 

“Hmm?”

“I want it to be you,” she murmured quietly, fingers anxiously picking at the neck of her tank top.  She heard the sharp intake of breath on the other line followed by a slow, shaky exhale. “I want it to be with you.”  She swallowed hard and waited.  Still, she just heard Elphaba’s breaths.  She closed her eyes, bracing herself, one hand coming up to cover her face.

“I want that too.”  It had come out so quietly Galinda wasn’t quite sure she’d heard it.  “Galinda?”

“I’m here,” Galinda murmured, unable to contain the wide grin spreading over her face.  She was certain Elphaba could hear her smiling on the other end of the call.

“I-I think I’d better hang up now,” Elphaba admitted, a soft chuckle echoing in Galinda’s ear.  Galinda’s lower lip stuck out despite the fact that Elpahba couldn’t even see it.  “Because if I don’t, I’m going to be tempted to pull out of this parking lot and take you up on your offer to come over.  And if I do that, I think we might end up doing something we’re not ready for.”

“I could be ready,” Galinda offered, a lilt in her voice that made Elphaba chuckle.  “I feel ready.  And it  sounds like you’re ready.”  She smiled when she heard Elphaba’s laugh again.

“You’re not helping.”

“Good,” Galinda huffed. 

“You’re trouble.”

“I’m worth it,” Galinda pointed out.

“Oh, I don’t doubt that.”  Galinda could hear the slamming of a car door and the chirp of it being locked.  And then she could hear the crackle of wind as Elphaba walked across the parking lot. 

“Noooo, you’re really going to the library?”

“I am,” Elphaba insisted.  “It’s for the best.”

“So why does it feel like the worst?”

“Because you had a sex dream, and now you need to work out your frustrations.”

“Elphie, how positively indecent of you.”  Elphaba snorted at that, and Galinda couldn’t help but giggle. 

“Galinda,” Elphaba said softly, her voice more serious. 

“Yes?”

“I’ve rushed into sex before.  I’ve done things I ended up regretting because I thought I was ready.  I’ve been hurt before, and I don’t want that to happen with us.”

“Who says you’d hurt me?  Or I’d hurt you?” Galinda asked, sitting up on the couch a little, running her fingers through her silky blonde hair. 

“Nobody.  I mean, I just—”  Elphaba sighed heavily.  “I want to get to know you.  I want you to know me.  I want it to be more than just hormones and lust, as fun as those things might be.”

“Well, you’re certainly good at the communication part, Elphie,” Galinda grinned. 

“Believe me, it’s not easy.  But I’m learning,” Elphaba murmured. 

“Thank you,” Galinda whispered sweetly.  “Just so you know, this mature, responsible decision to take things slow is a major turn on.”

“You’re insufferable,” Elphaba snorted. 

“You have no idea.”  Galinda laughed and bit her lip again.  “I’ll let you go.  But just know that while you’re being responsible and writing, I’ll be here thinking of you.”

“Have I inspired a new drawing?” Elphaba asked with a tease.

“Oh no.  That’s not what my hand will be doing, sweet Elphie.  Good luck with all of that concentration.”  She heard something between a gasp and a groan on the other line before she ended the call with a gleeful little smirk on her lips. 

Notes:

Ah, communication. How are we feeling?

Chapter 6

Notes:

Oh my goodness, thank you all so so much for the amazing comments! I've been grinning like an idiot reading them all. Thank you all! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 6

“Nemma.  Look at me.”  Elosia took another step toward her best friend.  “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.  It’s nothing, El.  Look at you.  That dress is perfect.  Turn around so I can zip you up.”  Elosia sighed softly, a little smile tugging at her lips without reaching her eyes. 

“We don’t lie to each other.  And I know you’re lying.”  Nyemma’s hands fell weakly to her sides.  “What’s going on?”

“It doesn’t matter,” she murmured, shaking her head, lower lip trembling as she tried hard to keep her emotions in check. She supposed the wine was making that more difficult.  “You’re getting married tomorrow.  This is what you’ve been waiting for.”  Elosia looked down at her dress, hands gripping the skirt and swaying it back and forth gently.  When she looked back up, her own eyes were glossy, and her own lip was trembling.  “I just want you to be happy.”

“I am happy,” Elosia sniffled.  Her voice shook with the statement.  “Leander’s a good man.” It was the second time she’d said it that night.

“He is,” Nyemma agreed.  “And you’ll be happy with him.”  Elosia’s smile faded just a little.  To the untrained eye, it wasn’t noticeable.  To her best friend, it was monumental.  “You will be, won’t you?”  Elosia’s shoulders fell, and she let go of the skirt in her hands.  “El, did something happen?”  Her voice was stern now, like a switch had flipped and she’d tucked away her own needs and feelings to be there for her best friend like Elosia had always been there for her. 

“No.  No, nothing happened.  At least…no.”  She shook her head.  “Nothing happened.  It’s just…”  Her gaze faltered, and she turned suddenly.  Nyemma reached out to help her do up the back, but Elosia stepped away before she could touch her.  “He’s a good man.  We have fun together.  He makes me laugh.”

“That’s great,” Nyemma murmured, swallowing hard as her head swam and her chest felt tingly and warm from the wine.  She swayed on her feet a little.  Elosia turned toward her.

“The way you looked at me when you walked into the room and saw me in this dress?  He’s never looked at me like that.  Not once.  And the thing is, I think when we first got together, it was exciting and new.  I thought this was the kind of guy I could see myself spending the rest of my life with.”  Elosia took a deep breath.  Nyemma held hers.  Her friend’s words were ringing and repeating in her head.  Did she have any idea what she’d just said?  “Maybe I’m making a mistake.”

Elphaba’s fingers froze on the keyboard.  She was holding her breath along with her character.  Her gaze flicked down to the time on the screen, and she uttered an unsatisfied little hum under her breath.  She’d been at the library for a good three hours and had barely gotten any work done.  She was stuck.  She was certain that if she went back and re-wrote half of the story, it would be ninety percent better.  But the idea of taking on that big of an overhaul on the story was daunting to say the least.

She frowned when her phone buzzed and quickly grabbed it.  She was not surprised in the least to see a text from her editor Mina. 

Do you have anything for me?

Elphaba rolled her eyes and tapped out a quick text.

If I did, I’d have sent it.  I’ve barely gotten two pages written today.

Are you stuck?

You could say that.  Can I send you what I have?  Maybe you could give me some ideas.

I’m just an editor.  You’re the writer.

You’re absolutely no help at all.

So I’ve been told.  I guess it’s a good thing I do this for free.

You’re doing it for credit in your class.

I could still charge you, you know.  When you’re a big, famous author, you’ll have to pay someone to edit your shit, you know.

Shit?  Thanks.

Oh, shut up, Elphaba.  You know I love your work.  Besides, I’m looking forward to being able to say that I was Elphaba Thropp’s first editor.  You can pay me back with a luxury car and a beachside condo.

You don’t want much, do you?

I mean, if you’re feeling generous…

Elphaba snorted and rolled her eyes.  Mina was majoring in writing as well, but she was less creative and more technical.  They’d had quite a few classes together.  She wouldn’t call Mina a close friend, but they had peer-reviewed each other’s work and had a great respect for each other’s work.  Out of most of her classmates, she felt Mina was the most unrestrained editor.  If she didn’t like something, she made a note about why and left it up to Elphaba to decide whether or not to keep it.  She appreciated the constructive criticism, but she also knew that Mina was the wrong person to ask for actual plot or character ideas. 

I’ll send you something when I have more to work with. 

I know you hate sharing your work with people you know, but is there anybody you’d be willing to talk it over with?  What about your sister?

I’ll figure something out.  Maybe I’ll sleep on it.

Seriously, Elphaba.  It wouldn’t hurt to find somebody to bounce ideas off.  Maybe another creative person.  Just don’t ask me unless you’d like me to tell you that your main character and her best friend just need to fuck already and get it over with.

Thanks, Mina.  Awesome advice.  10/10.

You asked.  I’ll be billing you for real if you don’t give me at least one steamy sex scene before this book is finished. 

Elphaba snickered and put her phone down on the desk.  She turned her attention back to the file in front of her, and a feeling of dread fell heavy in her gut.  She knew that feeling. She knew it meant she needed to step away and come back with a fresh perspective in a day or two or seven. 

Her phone buzzed again.  This time Nessa was texting her.

Hey, so what time are you coming home?

Why?  What’s up?

Just asking, Fabala.  237oip34rfs

Uh, what?

Sorry.  Dropped my phone.

Why don’t you just tell me what time would be good for me to come home?  I’d rather not interrupt anything.

Umm….seven thirty?

Elphaba laughed softly to herself.

Great.  I’m sure I’ll find something to do with myself for the next….five hours.

You’re the best! 

Elphaba rolled her eyes and put her phone back down, bringing her hands up to her temples to rub them. 

She felt antsy and unsettled now, eager to buckle down and concentrate on this book but knowing that forcing it was just going to make things more difficult in the long run.  So, she closed her laptop and stuffed it in her bag before grabbing her phone again.  She chewed her bottom lip for a moment.  She knew she shouldn’t.  She knew it was a terrible idea. 

Hey. 

The three dots indicating Galinda Upland’s response popped up immediately.

Hey yourself!  Get any writing done?  Were you able to concentrate? 

A smirk tugged at Elphaba’s lips. 

Barely and…barely.

Oh no!  Is everything ok?

I’m stuck.

Anything I can do to help?

Well…

Well?!  Let’s hear it.

Elphaba bit her bottom lip, unable to suppress the grin. 

I never do this, but can I send you the first couple of chapters?  Maybe getting a fresh perspective on it will help me make the ending make sense.

Are you kidding?!  My email is [email protected].  Send me anything.  Send me everything.  But, first, I have to confess something.

What’s that?

If I like it, I will be hounding you non-stop until you send me the rest.  Just be warned.

Noted.

She sent a winky face emoji to which Galinda responded with a kissy face emoji.  Her heart just about exploded in her chest.  She sighed heavily and sat back in her chair, glancing around her briefly to check her surroundings.  There weren’t many students utilizing the library’s hours on a Sunday afternoon.  She bit her lip and looked back to her phone. 

She finally pulled out her laptop, opened up her e-mail and attached the first two chapters to an email for Galinda.  Despite the fact Galinda knew she was sending it, she couldn’t help but type up a little something to preface it with.

 

Galinda,

I want to start out by doubling down on the fact that I never send any of my work to anyone I know.  The only exception is to my editor, and that’s only because we’re not really close friends and when something is awful, she tells me.  Feel free to be just as honest.  I can take the criticism.

Also…if you hate it I may delete the entire thing.

I’m kidding. 

Maybe.

Elphaba 

*~*~*~*~*

Galinda practically squealed when she got a notification that she had a new email.  She opened it up, and sure enough, there was the email.  She tapped out a quick text to Elphaba to let her know she’d gotten it, and then she put her phone away so she could give all of her attention to Elphaba’s story.

She was honored that Elphaba was willing to share this piece of herself with her, especially since she seemed so private about her writing.  She understood, as there were a lot of her own drawings and sketches she’d prefer never see the light of day.  But the moment she started reading, she was drawn in by Elphaba’s vivid descriptions of the characters and the world in which they lived.

There was the exuberant, green-eyed redhead named Elosia and her best friend, the dark-haired, dark-eyed Nyemma.  They’d been friends for as long as they could remember.  And then there was the handsome, charming Leander, Elosia’s intended. 

Galinda found herself captivated by the way Eloisia and Nyemma interacted and the way Elphaba wrote their interactions.  It felt romantic.  Galinda felt her pulse quick as she read one particular line about Nyemma watching Elosia with Leander and feeling a pang of jealousy so great she had to pull away.  And the thing was, not once did Galinda believe that this pang of jealousy was because Elosia had Leander.  No.  It was because Leander had Elosia. 

In two chapters, Galinda found herself enthralled with the way the two women gravitated toward one another despite the fact that Elosia was engaged to a man that barely seemed to register as anything more than a background character. 

She found bitter disappointment when she read the last line and tried to scroll down, only to find there was no more text.

Immediately, she grabbed her phone.

Elphaba Thropp.

Yes?

They’re so gay.

What?

Nyemma and Elosia.  They’re going to hook up, right?

Is that the vibe the first two chapters give off?

Um, yes?!  Elosia is not in love with that man. 

What makes you say that?

Hello?!  Elphie.  Oh my Oz.  I’m calling you.  Now.

Galinda immediately pressed the video call button, and she was pleasantly surprised when Elphaba answered right away.  There she was sitting in her car with her hair pulled back and an amused grin on her face.

“Ok, first of all, when Elosia told Nyemma that Leander proposed, I got the feeling she was hoping Nyemma would say something.  Like, you make it very clear to the reader that Nyemma is into Elosia.  Maybe you don’t say it with those words specifically, but come on.  She looks at Elosia the way Popsicle looks at Momsie in their wedding photo.”

“Popsi—”

“Nyemma’s totally in love with her!  But she has no idea that Elosia’s in love with her too.  And Elosia’s torn between what her heart wants and what her head tells her she’s supposed to want.  Oh, Elphie, she’s so me this time last year.”  Galinda sighed dramatically and fell back against her bed, blonde hair sprawling out behind her.  “Except I didn’t have a best friend that I was totally in love with.”  Elphaba chuckled softly.  “Elosia’s in love with her, isn’t she?  And she’s saying yes to Leander because she’s afraid to bare that part of herself to Nyemma.” 

“Well, I guess I don’t need to send you the rest of the book, because you’ve already got it figured out, huh?”

“Hush!  You’d better.  I need it, Elphie.  Oh my Oz!”  She let out a little squeal.  “And the most frustrating part is that Elosia has no idea Nyemma feels the same way, so she’s just digging herself deeper into this relationship with Leander.  It’s killing me, Elphie.  Please tell me they’re going to end up together.”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“You—what?!  Elphaba Thropp!”  Galinda’s hand flew over her face for a moment.  “Tell me Elosia’s not about to enter into a lavender marriage because she’s terrified of being alone and terrified of losing her best friend if she tells her the truth.  Oh, Elphie…”  Elphaba smiled sheepishly, and Galinda’s jaw dropped.

“Lavendar marriage…”  Elphaba quirked an eyebrow.  Galinda raised both of hers. 

“She’s definitely not marrying him because the sex is good.  She’s marrying him because she’s thinking about Nyemma when they’re having sex but thinks sex with Nyemma is off the table.  So she’s settling.” 

“I—"

“I need the next chapter.”

“Hmm.”

“Hmm?  Elphie, I simply won’t be able to sleep without it.”

“It’s barely three in the afternoon,” Elphaba deadpanned.  Galinda huffed out a sigh and scrunched up her nose. 

“Fine,” Galinda blew out, “I’ll respect that you’ll share more with me when you’re ready.”  She relaxed against her pillow.  “Heading home?”

Elphaba blinked at the phone.  Say yes.  Say you’re going home.  Make something up.

“No, I’m, uh, trying to figure out how to kill some time before I go home.  My sister’s company has made himself at home.”

“Oh,” Galinda giggled.  “Well, good for them.”

“Yeah, great for them,” Elphaba snorted.  “I suppose I could just show up at home and ruin the mood.  But I sort of like having a sister that doesn’t hate me.”  Galinda giggled at that.  “I’ll think of something.”

“Do you want some company?” Galinda asked softly.  Oh, there was a loaded question.  Elphaba swallowed hard.  “Maybe we could go somewhere and talk, you know?  Get to know each other better.” 

Elphaba knew better.  She knew the only responsible answer was to softly decline, fake a headache or exhaustion or something—anything—that would put a little distance between them.  But when it came to Galinda Upland, she felt drawn like a moth to a very hot, very tantalizing flame.

“What did you have in mind?”

*~*~*~*~*

Elphaba knew she shouldn’t have driven to that apartment complex.  She knew that she shouldn’t have picked up that gorgeous blonde.  She knew she shouldn’t have driven away with her.  And she knew she certainly shouldn’t have driven down by the lake where Galinda suggested they go to watch the sailboats. 

It had started off as a perfectly innocent conversation about their hometowns.  Galinda had talked about how she’d gotten in trouble at school for drawing little doodles on the corners of her homework papers.  Elphaba had mentioned that she’d won a writing contest at school that featured her in the newspaper.  She’d been used to getting attention, what with her unusual color, but that kind of attention wasn’t something she was used to.  She’d been so proud and happy, and she knew that was the moment she’d decided she wanted to be a writer more than anything else. 

Truly.  It had been an innocent conversation.  And then it veered into dangerous territory with Galinda waxing poetic about Nyemma and Elosia and how she desperately needed them to ‘figure out their shit’ and open their eyes already.  And the more she talked, the more Elphaba’s gaze had been drawn to her pouty, glossy lips, and all it had taken was Galinda catching her staring just once for the blonde to lean in and kiss her breathless.

Now her seat was reclined as far back as it could go, and the pretty blonde was straddling her lap.  Her arms were wrapped around Elphaba’s neck, and their bodies were pressed together, lips and tongues teasing, teeth clashing, breaths and moans swallowed up by one another. 

Galinda’s mouth was on hers, and there was an unmistakable ache between her own legs that would not go away.  The way Galinda was straddling her lap just so had her hips angled in the most Oz damned delicious way, and she could feel the heat between her legs pressing into the front of her pants.  She was unmistakably wet, and she had a pretty good idea that Galinda was, too.  Her resolve was crumbling by the clock tick with each hungry, desperate kiss.  In her mind, she knew if she didn’t stop this now, taking it slow would be out the window.  Her body, however, didn’t give a damn and craved more.  It took everything in her to dig down deep and find her composure. 

“Galinda,” she panted, feeling a hand skim just over her breast. The blonde tugged at her lower lip with her teeth.  Elphaba trembled, hands shaking as they moved up Galinda’s waist and up to her shoulders.  “Gal—”

“Sorry,” Galinda murmured between kisses.  “I just can’t help myself.”  She pulled back, lips swollen from kisses, eyes dark with desire, chest heaving with each gulp of breath she took in.  “Oz, Elphie, I’m sorry.”  She licked her lips and brought one hand up to run through her golden hair, pushing it back.  Still, she remained straddling Elphaba’s lap.

Elphaba leaned back against her seat, lips parted and pupils blown wide as she stared up at the beautiful woman in her lap. 

“I knew what I was getting myself into,” Elphaba chuckled, hands moving up to Galinda’s shoulders.  “It’s my fault for being weak.”  Galinda leaned in and pressed her forehead against Elphaba’s. 

“You’re not weak, Elphie.” 

“I am when it comes to you,” Elphaba murmured, hands moving back down and curling around Galinda’s waist.

“Oz, Elphie, don’t say that,” Galinda panted, shifting just enough that the friction affected them both.  Elphaba shuddered beneath her, and Galinda gasped softly.  “You have no idea how badly I want you.”

“I think I have some idea,” Elphaba chuckled, one hand moving up to trail through soft, blonde locks.  Her hands moved down again, resting on Galinda’s hips, fingers gently tapping there for a moment before she let out a slow breath.  Galinda groaned and slid off of her and into her own seat, leaning back and fanning her face with her hands.  

“You should probably drive,” Galinda murmured with a breathy laugh.  Elphaba wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand, returned her seat to its upright position and turned on the car.

“Good, yeah.  Great idea.”  She put her hand on the gear shift and promptly felt soft fingers curl around her wrist.

“Elphie?”  She turned her face toward Galinda’s and saw the little smile on the blonde’s lips.  Her dimple was on full display, and she leaned in, silently answering an unspoken question.  Their lips touched again, soft this time, tender.  When she finally pulled back, Galinda’s hand came to rest upon her cheek for a moment.  Elphaba brought her hand up to cover Galinda’s, gently curling their fingers together before bringing her hand to her lips and kissing her knuckles.  Galinda sighed happily and then turned to face forward, snapping her belt in place. 

Silently, Elphaba pulled away from the lake and headed back toward town, her happy heart fluttering in her chest, her hand moving boldly to rest upon Galinda’s thigh.  She gave it a little squeeze, and Galinda bit her lip and came to rest her hand atop Elphaba’s.  They rode the rest of the way in silence, bodies still thrumming in all of the best places.

Notes:

How are we feeling? Are Elphie and Galinda even going to make it to Friday without spontaneously combusting? It remains to be seen. ;) Let me know what you think! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you so much for reading! <3

Chapter 7

Notes:

Once again, I'm so thankful for all of the kind comments you've all left for me. I appreciate each and every one of you! I hope you enjoy this chapter! <3

Chapter 7

Monday

Elphaba’s phone alarm went off at seven, and she groaned into her pillow, stretching and squinting into the early morning light.  She wasn’t quite sure when she’d gotten to sleep, but it had been well past midnight.  By the time she’d gotten back to the apartment, it had been after eight.  Nessa was fresh out of the shower and lounging on the couch watching a movie alone.  The pink flush that filled her face the second Elphaba walked in the door told her everything she needed to know.

Elphaba had settled in and watched a few minutes with her before heading off to take a shower and try to work on her book.  She hadn’t gotten far, and she’d instead ended up lying in bed staring up at the ceiling thinking of the little impromptu date with Galinda.  She’d been so worked up lying there, fingers twitching with the urge to quell the ache between her legs.

Somehow, she’d drifted off into a restless sleep.

The first thing she did after turning off her alarm was check her messages.  Sure enough she had a string of them from Galinda from just after two in the morning.

You’re probably sleeping.  I’m wide awake thinking about Nyemma and Elosia.  And you. 

Elphie?

And then about an hour after that, there was a photo message.  Elphaba clicked on it and gasped softly when the picture filled her phone screen.  She sat up in bed and cradled her phone in her hand like it was something precious, zooming in on the image before her eyes. 

It was her.  Her likeness, anyway, all there in black and white.  Galinda had drawn her and the idea of it made her breath catch in her throat. 

The next message was another text.

So technically, tonight was the third date, right?  It wasn’t planned, but we went somewhere together and felt each other up in the car.  I think that’s a date.

She followed that text with three winky face emojis.  An hour later, another text came through.

I just finished this.  I hope you like it. I’m most proud of the eyes.  You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen, Elphie.  Now maybe you can see a little bit of what I see when you look at me the way you do.  Maybe now you’ll understand why I can’t stop thinking about you.  Sleep well. 

Elphaba took a deep breath and tapped out a quick response.

It’s beautiful.  Is that a weird thing to say?  After all, it’s me.  I feel like it looks more like me than I do.  I like the way you see me.  I’d love to see more.  As for last night being a date, does it really count if I didn’t buy you food?  Also, do you sleep?

Elphaba was halfway through her third class of the morning when Galinda typed out her reply.

I told you I wouldn’t be able to sleep thinking about your story.  You only have yourself to blame.

Elphaba found herself biting back a smile as she discreetly tapped out her next reply.

If I send you chapter 3, would you forgive me?

We’ll see.  It’s a start.

And then she sent a picture of herself leaning into the camera with her lips pursed in a kiss.  Elphaba blushed and turned her phone over, but the smile did not leave her face, getting her more than a couple of curious glances from her fellow students.

*~*~*~*

Tuesday

“Oh, Oz, this is delicious,” Galinda moaned, biting into a sticky bun with pecans on top.  A gooey string of melted icing hung from her lips, and she licked it away quickly.  She was settled in her chair on the balcony with Fiyero sitting across from her with his own sticky bun in hand.

“This might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” Fiyero groaned, taking another bite.

“Thank you for satisfying my sweet tooth,” Galinda sighed, taking a sip of coffee to wash down the sweetness.  She picked up her phone expectantly, glanced at it and set it down.

“Expecting a call?”

“No,” she shrugged.  “An email.”

“Oh?”

“Elphie’s been sending me pieces of her story.  She’s a brilliant writer, Fiyero.”

“Elphie?  You’re on nickname terms already?  That’s adorable.”

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t.  I satisfied your sweet tooth, didn’t I?”  Galinda grinned at him, unable to hide the flush in her face.  “I see.  Well, I’m glad that your sweet tooth isn’t the only thing being satisfied.  I’m happy for you.  Truly.”  Galinda blushed deeper and shifted in her chair, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she took another bite.  “What?”

“What?” she asked, mouthful of sticky bun. 

“You are being satisfied, aren’t you?”

“That’s none of your business, Fiyero Tigelaar.”  Fiyero’s brows shot up.

“No.  Really?  You aren’t…”

“Shut up!” Galinda choked out between bites. 

“What’s the problem?  Did you get cold feet?  Did you do it wrong?”

“I hate you!  Please leave,” Galinda laughed, covering her eyes with her hand.  Fiyero grinned around another bite of sticky bun. 

“So what’s the problem?  You’re absolutely crazy about her.  I can tell.”  He nodded toward the sketch pad beside Galinda’s coffee cup where a new sketch of Elphaba was in progress.  This time, her hair was splayed out behind her head, her eyes impossibly dark, her lips parted slightly.  Galinda would never tell him this was how Elphaba looked beneath her in the car the other day.  That was something she was keeping just for her. 

“We’re taking things slow,” Galinda pointed out, matter-of-factly.  She popped the last bite of sticky bun into her mouth, chewed, swallowed and washed it down with a last sip of coffee.  Fiyero stared at her. 

“Taking things slow,” he said carefully, brows furrowed as if he’d never heard those words before in his life.

“We’re getting to know each other.  It’s nice.”

“Nice.  You know what else is nice?  An orgasm before sunrise.”  Galinda crumpled her napkin and threw it at him before she shifted in her seat again.  “Look at you.  You look like you’re about to climb the walls.  So who’s making who wait?”

“It’s not like that,” Galinda insisted.  “She likes me.  And I like her.  And we want to get to know each other first.  But, Oz, it’s so hard.”

“I’ll bet,” he joked.  Galinda raised an eyebrow, and Fiyero scrunched up his nose.  “That joke kind of falls flat when it’s two women you’re talking about, huh?”

“Is sex all you ever think about?”

“Let’s focus on you, because it seems, Galinda Upland, that it’s all you can think about.  Look at this sketch for instance.  The only time I’ve ever seen a woman look at me like that is when I’ve just come up for air between her legs.”  He quirked an eyebrow, and Galinda quickly grabbed her notebook and closed it. 

“You’re not helping.”  She groaned and ran one frustrated hand through her pretty blonde locks.  “It’s hard to get to know each other when it’s all you can do to keep your hands off each other when you’re within five feet of each other.”  She chewed her lip between her teeth for a moment.  Fiyero’s brows were high and his jaw went slightly slack.  “What?”

He huffed out a laugh.

“Well, it sounds like you’re getting to know each other pretty well.  You know you’re both deeply attracted to one another.  Sex is always on the table.  That’s a start.”  Galinda pinched the bridge of her nose, face reddening by the clock tick.  “It sounds like you need to do something together that would make it impossible to be all over each other while you talk.  You could take a drive.”

“We tried that,” Galinda groaned.  Fiyero quirked an eyebrow. 

“And?”

“We ended up parking by the lake, and I was in her lap in five minutes.”

“So no road trips.  Well, you could go to dinner at a busy restaurant.  Then again, there are tables and table cloths, and I for one know that it’s absolutely possible—if not terribly inappropriate—to achieve some satisfaction under the secrecy of a discreetly placed table cloth.”

“You’re the worst, Fiyero Tigelaar.  I hope you know that.”

*~*~*~*~*

Wednesday

Elphaba tossed her backpack into the backseat of her car and slipped inside after her last class.  She let out a sigh of relief, thankful she’d managed to get all of her homework done between classes at the library. 

Her phone buzzed in her back pocket just as she started the car.  She reached back for it and was pleasantly surprised to find Galinda calling.

“Hey,” she said softly, a smile already spreading over her face.

“Hi, Elphie,” Galinda said in a way that Elphaba could practically hear the smile in her voice.  “Are you busy?  Did I call at a bad time?”

“No, actually.  I just got out of class.”

“I’m heading to my last class now,” Galinda said with a dismissive sigh.  “I was just wondering if you wanted to do go to an art class with me.”

“You want me to come to one of your classes?”

“No!  No, it’s totally not academic.  It’s off campus.  There’s this cute little art studio for beginners.”

“You’re not a beginner.”

“No, I know!  But it’s casual.  Everyone just sits around and talks and has fun while the instructor paints and we follow along.  It’s more of a social thing than anything.  I thought maybe it would be a good chance for us to talk.”

“And see my immaculately terrible painting skills.  I can draw a mean stick figure family, though, I assure you.”  Galinda laughed, and Elphaba found her heart fluttering in her chest at the sound.  “We can compare notes when your beginner’s class painting is being hung in the Emerald City Gallery.”

“Oh, Elphie, stop.  I’m sure your brilliantly creative mind will come up with something.”

“It’s not my mind I’m worried about.  It’s my clumsy, unartistic hands,” Elphaba pointed out dryly. 

“Well, I don’t think your hands are clumsy at all.   In fact…they felt pretty skilled to me.”  Elphaba jolted in her seat.  She had never been more tuned into a phone call in her life.  “But what do I know?  We barely know each other.”  Elphaba bit the inside of her cheek. 

“What time?”

“Friday at six.  It’s a couples class.  Is that ok?”

“Friday at six.  Date number three,” Elphaba agreed.

“Four.”

“Ah.”  Elphaba shivered, thinking back on their little get to know you gone sideways in the car on Sunday.  “You’re right.” 

“Great!” Galinda squealed on the other end of the call.  “And that means we’re one step closer to date number five.”

“What—what is date number five, exactly?” Elphaba asked slowly.

“I suppose that all depends on how date number four goes,” Galinda teased.  “See you Friday, Elphie.”

*~*~*~*

Thursday

Galinda’s feet kicked in the air as she lay on her stomach across her bed with one hand propping her chin up, the other scrolling through the latest chapter Elphaba had sent.  Galinda was transfixed on the scene.  Elosia and Nyemma were at the bridal shop for a first look at wedding dress choices.  One particularly hideoteous dress made them both double over with laughter.  And when the laughter faded, Elosia found herself looking at Nyemma in a way that surprised her.  She was suddenly hyper aware of the soft crinkle around Nyemma’s eyes when she laughed, the way her hand flew to her chest as if to quiet herself somehow.  She looked so soft and beautiful and joyful, like a light was radiating from her.  It had caught Elosia off guard, the way she found herself staring at her friend as if she never wanted this moment to end.  It was a brief moment but the first quiet moment of realization for the reader that the romantic feelings Nyemma harbored for her weren’t unrequited.  And Nyemma completely missed the look, leading Elosia to turn quickly before her best friend could see it.

Galinda found herself gasping for breath by the time she got to the end of the chapter.  She immediately closed the file and called Elphaba.  Elphaba picked up the video call in less than five seconds.  She had her braids pulled back under a bonnet.  She wasn’t wearing her glasses.  She was in the process of some sort of skin care routine that had her face positively glowing as she rubbed the serum into her skin.  Galinda found herself holding her breath again.

“Hey,” Elphaba said with a sheepish smile.  “I sent you that chapter ten minutes ago.  You can’t possibly be done already.”

“I devoured it completely,” Galinda insisted.  “Why is Elosia marrying that man, Elphie?  She doesn’t look at him the way she looks at Nyemma.”

“It’s not that simple,” Elphaba pointed out.

“Why not?!  These two are so frustrating!  They’re both obviously into each other, even though they think there’s no possible way the other could feel that way about them.  I just want to reach in and knock their heads together and wake them up.”

“Well, mission accomplished,” Elphaba smirked.  Galinda groaned in frustration.  Elphaba chuckled softly and rubbed the last of the serum into her freckled face before she grabbed her phone and moved across the room to flop down on her bed.  Galinda rolled back onto her pillows and held her phone up.  “They’ve been friends for a long time.  It can’t be easy for them to just turn that corner in their relationship, especially when neither of them realizes the other wants that, too.  And for Elosia, she feels guilty that she’s been all in on this relationship with Leander from the first date.”

“She doesn’t owe that man anything, Elphie,” Galinda argued.

“Of course she doesn’t.  But he’s not a bad man.  And she does care for him.”

“She’s totally biting her lip during sex so she doesn’t scream out Nyemma’s name, isn’t she?”

“Oh my Oz, you’re unhinged,” Elphaba laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.  When she sobered, she sighed and shrugged one shoulder.  “She feels she needs to follow through on this commitment.  Leander does love her, and at this point she doesn’t realize Nyemma feels the same way.  There’s a lot left to go.  A lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication.  But in the end, it’s just the two of them standing in front of each other realizing that everything they want is in front of each other.”

“Oh, you spoiled me!” Galinda giggled. 

“Not really.  You’ve seen this coming from the start,” Elphaba chuckled.  “I should throw the whole thing out and start over.  It’s utterly predictable.”

“Don’t you dare, Elphaba Thropp.  So Elosia calls off the wedding and runs off with Nyemma, right?”  A pause.  “Elphie?”  Elphaba blinked and shrugged one shoulder again.  “Elphaba.  Don’t do this to me.”

“I’m still putting the end together.”

“I swear to Lurline if she chooses that man, I will lose my faith in all romance until the end of time.”

“No pressure though, right?” Elphaba snorted.  At Galinda’s distressed eyebrow raise, she smiled.  “I don’t want to spoil everything.”

“Fine,” Galinda sighed with her usual dramatic flair.  Her smile brightened, and she bit her lip. 

“What are you thinking about?” Elphaba asked, cocking her head to the side, admiring how pretty the blond was with her blonde hair splayed out behind her on the pillow. 

“You,” Galinda admitted.  “I can’t wait until tomorrow.”

“You just can’t wait to outshine me with your artistic talent,” Elphaba teased.

“Hey, I’m not much of a painter myself.  So don’t get your expectations up too high.  You might just find you’re better than I am.”

“Yeah, well, I’ll be thrilled if I make something that doesn’t look like a five year old painted it.”

“It’s good to have goals,” Galinda offered with a smile and a nod.  “Oh, and dress comfortable.  Don’t wear anything I might want to tear off of you later.”

“Oh,” Elphaba choked out. 

“I’m just saying, it might get messy.  So comfy, old clothes would probably be best.” She pursed her lips for a moment.  “Though you could probably come wearing burlap and I’d still want to get in your pants.”

“Ga—”  Elphaba sputtered, sitting up in bed, face heating by the moment.  “You’re going to kill me before we get to the fifth date, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely not.  I simply wouldn’t dream of missing date five.”

Notes:

So...now we come to Friday. Date number 4ish. How are we feeling? <3 Thanks for reading!

Chapter 8

Notes:

Oh my gosh, once again, thank you all for your wonderful comments! I appreciate all of them. I go back and read them when I'm feeling particularly discouraged. I hope you know what it means to me. Thank you all so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Also, rating has changed to an E. :)

Chapter 8

Galinda Upland was a vision in a casual white t-shirt matched with a cute pink skirt that barely fell halfway down her thighs.  Her blonde locks were pulled back loosely and pinned behind her head with a clip.  Her makeup was minimal but flawless, and when she spotted Elphaba’s car as she stepped out of the lobby of her apartment building, her smile turned megawatt, and she hurried to the car in a pair of short, pink heels. 

Elphaba practically choked herself on her seatbelt trying to scramble out of the car to greet her.  Thank Oz for tinted windows.

She stepped out wearing an old pair of casual, black denim jean shorts and a white tank top with a black and white plaid long sleeve tied around her waist.  She’d chosen a pair of black running shoes for comfort.  Galinda stopped in her tracks when she saw her, and Elphaba found herself glancing down at herself and her muscular green legs, and she suddenly felt a bit self-conscious.  Though the words that fell from Galinda’s lips a moment later told her she had no reason to feel that way. 

“Oz, Elphaba, you look good.”  Elphaba’s gaze moved slowly up Galinda’s body, taking in the sight of her and watching the girl’s face flush.

“So do you.  Pink’s definitely your color.”  Elphaba’s gaze briefly flicked down to the pretty pink skirt.

“Hmm,” Galinda smiled, moving closer to greet Elphaba with a kiss on the cheek.  Elphaba turned her face just enough to catch her lips on purpose.  Galinda giggled softly and wrapped her arms around Elphaba’s neck.  Elphaba's arms hugged around her waist and pulled her close.  The blonde smiled into the kiss, and when she pulled back, she ran her thumb over Elphaba’s bottom lip.  “Hi.”

“Hi,” Elphaba chuckled.  “Are you ready?”

“Are you kidding?  I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”  She leaned in again, pressing her lips softly against Elphaba’s.  When she pulled back, she sighed softly.  “I missed you.”  Elphaba’s face felt hot, and she leaned in, kissing Galinda again, unable to get close enough.  Her pulse was quick, she felt a little swimmy in the head, and there was a distinct ache between her legs that only bloomed with each touch and kiss. 

She shivered when she finally pulled back and unwrapped her arms from the blonde’s waist.  Galinda looked up at her sheepishly, lips pouty from the kiss, eyelashes batting innocently. 

 

“You’re not playing fair, you know?” Galinda murmured softly, fingertips brushing delicately against Elphaba’s neck when she pulled her arms from around her. 

“What do you mean?” Elphaba asked, lips quirking in a smirk.

“I won’t be able to focus on the class.  All I’ll be thinking about is these gorgeous legs of yours and how they’d feel wrapped around me.”

“Shit, Galinda,” Elphaba murmured, thighs clenching out of desperation. 

“Too much?” Galinda teased, fingertips grazing over Elphaba’s wrist as she reached to hold her hand.

Not enough.  Never enough. 

“We should go,” Elphaba chuckled softly.  “Can you keep your hands to yourself?”

“No promises.”

“Then no promises we don’t end up in a ditch somewhere,” Elphaba pointed out.  Galinda reluctantly let go of Elphaba’s hand and put both of hers in the air in surrender. 

“I’ll be good,” she promised with a sly grin and a wink.

Liar.

*~*~*~*

The painting class was more intimate and private than either of them had expected.  When they arrived, they were shown to a room with about a dozen small tables, each set up to sit two people, one across from the other.  The tables were spaced evenly and far apart through the room, giving each desk its own private, cozy feeling.

At the front and center of the room was the instructor’s easel, and off to the side was a screen showing that same easel projected larger on the screen for everyone to see it better.  They each grabbed an apron off of a hook inside the door and tied them on as they walked in.

Galinda and Elphaba were the third couple to arrive and promptly chose a table at the edge of the room.  Elphaba got there first and pulled out a chair for Galinda. The blonde smiled at her and held her gaze as she sat down.

“Thank you, Elphie,” she smiled.  Elphaba sat down across from her, fingers immediately moving to fidget with the brushes laid out on the paint stained table cloth.  There was bottled water set out at each table, and Elphaba quickly grabbed one, unscrewed the cap and took a deep drink.  She felt Galinda’s eyes on her the whole time.  When she swallowed and put her bottle away, Galinda reached over and gently touched her arm.  “Are you nervous?”

“A little,” Elphaba admitted, face flushing.  Galinda smiled and crossed her legs under the table.  Another couple came in, and Galinda’s gaze shifted to them before she turned her focus back to Elphaba.

“So you live with your sister?”  Elphaba’s eyes widened at the abruptness of the question. 

“I do,” she said with a nod.  “I think I told you she came to Shiz with me when I moved away for school.”  Galinda nodded.  “It was an adjustment for her, but she was happy to get out of Munchkinland.”

“Munchkinland?  That’s where you’re from?” Galinda asked, propping her chin in her hands and leaning in curiously.

“Mmm,” Elphaba nodded.  “Our father died the summer before I started school here.  I was of age, Nessa wasn’t.  I got guardianship of her until she turned eighteen, so she came along with me.”

“Oh, Elphie, I’m sorry about your father,” Galinda murmured, placing her hand on Elphaba’s atop the stained table cloth. 

“Thank you.  He and I never really saw eye to eye.  Nessa was sort of his pride and joy.”  She eyed Galinda.  “He wasn’t really my father.”  Galinda’s eyes widened curiously.  “My mother met a man shortly before she met Father.  She never saw him again.  She found out she was pregnant with me about a month after she met my father, so she says.  Father tells it that he loved my mother so much that he didn’t care about anything else.”

“Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“Oh it’s a great story to tell at parties, and he certainly liked to tell it.  It was sort of his way of letting people know that his gene pool had nothing to do with my unusual appearance.  Unfortunately, I was usually within earshot when he told that story.”  Galinda’s gaze faltered, but Elphaba shrugged one shoulder.  “He wasn’t outright cruel to me.  He made sure I had everything I needed.  But when Nessa came along, it was clear that she was his priority.  She was everyone’s priority.  She needed extra care.  She was born early, and her legs…”  She shook her head.  “She was five when our mother died.  And I remember standing next to Nessa’s wheelchair at the funeral.  I held her hand.  Father held her other hand.  And he looked at me in a way I’d never seen before.  As if to say she was my responsibility as much as she was his.”

“That’s a lot to put on a little kid,” Galinda murmured.  “I’m sorry, Elphie.”

“I liked taking care of her.  She was my best friend.  Still is in a lot of ways.  She’s got her own life now, but we’re still close.”

“That’s good.  I’m sorry you weren’t close with your father.”

“To be honest, I think my mother stayed with my father for security.  He was wealthy.  He owned a business that he inherited from his father.  She was young and scared and pregnant, and she never said it, but I think she did know she was pregnant when she met my father.  It’s her story, not mine, so I’ll never know for sure.  I think she did what she had to do.”  She took another sip of water.  “Father was good enough to leave behind more than enough for myself and Nessa to live on until we get our educations.  It was a stipulation in his will.  I didn’t expect anything from him. I like to think maybe he cared about me more than he let on.  It’s comforting, at least.”  Galinda squeezed Elphaba’s hand.  Elphaba shook her head then and let out a little huff of a laugh.  “Sorry.  I didn’t mean to unload all of that on you right away.”

“I asked,” Galinda pointed out with a grin.  “I’m glad you and your sister have each other.  I’d like to meet her.”

“You will,” Elphaba smiled, squeezing Galinda’s hand back.

Another couple drifted into the room, hands clasped between them, stars in their eyes.

“Hmm,” Elphaba chuckled.  “So this really is a couple’s class.”

“I told you.  Is that ok?”  Galinda’s brown eyes blinked at her expectantly. 

“Yeah,” Elphaba smiled.  “It’s ok.”  Galinda let out a breath, and her smile widened.  “What about you?  Are you close with your parents?”

“Oh,” Galinda chuckled.  “I’m their darling daughter.  Their baby.  Their only child.  Of course we’re close.  They’re a little suffocating sometimes, but I love them.”  Elphaba leaned forward in interest.  “They wanted me to stay at home and go to a local school, but Shiz has the best art department in Gillikin.  So, I sat them down, stood up for myself and explained that I wasn’t going to stifle my artistic future because they were afraid of having an empty nest.”  She raised her head confidently, and Elphaba quirked an eyebrow.

“You said that?” 

The façade crumbled, and Galinda chuckled.

“No, I didn’t,” she grinned.  “Momsie wanted me to go into fashion.  Popsicle wanted me to be a lawyer.  They were too busy planning the rest of my life that they didn’t take into consideration what I wanted.  So, I sat them down and I just started drawing.  They looked at me like I was crazy, but when I was finished, I showed them my sketch.  It was a sketch—from memory—of their wedding picture that hangs on the mantle in their bedroom.” 

“I’ll bet that showed them.”

“It did.  I came home from school the next day, and Momsie had practically bought out the entire art supply store in Frottica.”  Elphaba laughed softly, and Galinda’s face lit up at the sound of her laughter.

A few more couples wandered in before an older woman with dark, greying hair came in, smile wide. 

“Welcome to Couple Creations!  I’m Ms. Coddle.  I’m one of the many art professors at Shiz.  I see a lot of unfamiliar faces here tonight. Oh!  I see one face I recognize.  Hello, Miss Upland!”  She waved to Galinda who blushed and glanced at Elphaba.  “I thank you all for joining me tonight.  And for paying for it.”  A few scattered chuckles filled the room.  Elphaba glanced at Galinda who had started arranging her paints and brushes.  Elphaba stared down at her own like they were suddenly going to grow legs and scamper away.

Ms. Coddle was prattling on about her history with teaching art, and Elphaba couldn’t help but focus instead on the way Galinda delicately grabbed a paint brush and ran her thumb over the bristles as she listened to Ms. Coddle.

“We’re going to do something a little differently than I do in my usual classes,” Ms. Coddle continued.  Tonight, you’re going to look at your partner.”  Galinda’s gaze snapped to Elphaba’s, blush blooming across her cheeks as she smiled almost shyly at her.  “I want you to really look at your partner, and you’re going to paint what you feel when you look at them.”  She looked around the room and smiled.  “It doesn’t have to be a particular image.  Just paint what you feel.  I’ll be giving no further instructions tonight.  As for my own work, I’ll have it projected onto the screen if anybody’s needing inspiration or technique.”  She clasped her hands together.  “You may begin.”

For a few moments, the room was silent as couples gazed at each other from across the table.  Elphaba and Galinda stared at one another for about three seconds before Elphaba broke and grinned at how silly she felt.  Galinda giggled and rolled her eyes. 

“Sorry, I really thought this would be something instructive.”

“I don’t mind.  I just hope you’re not offended when all I manage is a big glop of colors all muddied together.”

“The self-deprecation is oddly endearing,” Galinda pointed out, nudging Elphaba’s foot with her own under the table.

“Oh, good.  I’m just getting started,” Elphaba teased.  She cleared her throat and looked down at her brushes before glancing back up at Galinda who was already going to town on her canvas.  She watched the way Galinda’s head cocked to the side, the way her deep brown eyes narrowed as she studied her work.  She sighed softly when Galinda bit her bottom lip in concentration.  The warmth that bloomed in her chest made a smile tug at her lips.  When Galinda briefly glanced at her again, her own lips quirked into a little smile. 

“What?” the blonde asked.

“Nothing.  I just like looking at you,” Elphaba blushed. 

“Elphie,” Galinda murmured.  “That’s so sweet.”

“I have my moments,” Elphaba winked.  Galinda laughed, and it became Elphaba’s favorite sound. 

The din of paint brushes being rapped against the rim of glass water jars and the soft murmur of conversation rose up in the air.  Galinda and Elphaba looked at one another, and Galinda couldn’t help the little chuckle that fell from her lips.

“What?”

“I was just thinking that this could make or break some relationships here tonight,” she whispered.  She nodded to the cute couple who’d come in holding hands.  “For instance, what if she paints a beautiful photo of a warm day on the beach and he paints her naked?  Imagine the scandal.”

“Galinda!” Elphaba laughed.  The blonde just winked and bit her lip, picking up a different paint brush and lightly dampening the bristles in the water.  She curiously dabbed at some light blue paint, and Elphaba raised an eyebrow.  “Interesting choice.  What are you painting?”

“I’m not telling!” Galinda insisted.  Elphaba smirked.  She leaned over as if trying to get a peek at Elphaba’s canvas.  “What are you painting?”

“So far, I have a landscape view of a blizzard.” 

“So when you look at me, you think of cold, miserable days in the snow?”

“I haven’t painted anything yet,” Elphaba deadpanned.

“Oh,” Galinda giggled.

“Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a snowy day.  Snow days are the best days for reading on the couch under a blanket with hot chocolate and soft jazz playing in the background.”  Galinda raised an eyebrow.

“Elphie, you’re such a romantic,” she swooned. Elphaba smirked and shook her head.

“I may or may not have written a scene for Elosia and Nyemma that involved this very scenario.”  Galinda’s jaw dropped.

“And you still won’t let them hook up?!” Galinda gasped. 

“Hey, I’m all about the slow burn.”

“Yeah, I’m all too familiar with your slow burn, Elphaba Thropp.”  Elphaba laughed then, fully and loudly, and she covered her mouth with her hand.  Galinda’s smile beamed brightly at her across the table, and the warmth in her chest continued to spread. 

Galinda Upland was like coming up for air she didn’t know she’d needed for so long.  She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this happy.  The feeling reminded her of when she was young, waking early before school to sit on her bed and watch the sun rise over the colorful fields in Munchkinland.  It had been her favorite moment of every day, and she suddenly realized she hadn’t woken for a sunrise in so long.  And now she had a desperate urge to do just that. 

She picked up her paint brush and began.  Galinda raised an eyebrow as she did so.

“Have you been inspired?”

“You could say that,” Elphaba smiled.  They painted in silence for a few minutes before Galinda raised her gaze again. 

“Elphie?”

“Hmm?”

“When did you know?”

“When did I know what?”

“That you liked women,” Galinda said softly.  Elphaba looked up to meet her gaze.  She swallowed hard.  A little chuckle left her lips.  “What?”

“I was going to say I wasn’t sure I could specify an exact moment.  But I can.”

“Ohh,” Galinda murmured with an intrigued, arched eyebrow.  “Do tell.” 

“My first girlfriend.  Lyanna?  We were friends first.  We did everything together.  She was pretty and the boys liked her, but she never really had any interest in going out with them.  She always wanted to be with me.  And I was fine with that, because she was the only person I wanted to spend time with, anyway. I just didn’t understand why she wanted to be around me all the time.”  She laughed a little, and Galinda smiled softly.  “We were at her house one day.  I was seventeen.  She’d invited me over to go swimming.  That wasn’t unusual.  But she said she wanted me to come over, because she wanted me to see her new bathing suit.  I wondered why it mattered what I thought of her bathing suit, but I went anyway, because I was a good friend.”

“Oh, Elphie,” Galinda smiled. 

“I was sitting on her couch, and she came out wearing this two-piece that showed more skin that I’d ever seen on someone that wasn’t, well, me.”  Her face heated up, and she ducked her head sheepishly.  “It was that moment that I realized why I wanted to be around her so much.  And later that afternoon, in the swimming pool, I realized why she wanted to be around me.  She kissed me.” 

Galinda’s hand went to her chest.

“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, even if she did dump you.”

“Yeah, well, I wasn’t the best girlfriend. Like I said, I put school before her.  We drifted apart, and that’s ok.”  Elphaba picked up her paintbrush again and cocked her head to the side, focusing on the painting.

“You said she was your first kiss.”

“Mmm.”

“But you didn’t…you know, you didn’t do anything else?”

“No,” Elphaba said quietly.  She lifted her gaze to Galinda’s again.  Galinda’s brows rose up expectantly. “Ah.  You want to know about my first time.”

“Well, not if you don’t want to tell me.”  Elphaba narrowed her eyes at the blonde for a moment, unable to suppress a little smirk when Galinda batted those eyelashes at her.  Those beautiful eyes were her weakness, and there was next to nothing that she wouldn’t do when Galinda looked at her like…that.

“It was a girl in one of my classes.  We were study partners.  We flirted and got along well, and we hooked up.  It kind of happened out of nowhere.  Three times.”

“Three?” Galinda asked with a little grin.  “Good for you.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Elphaba snorted.  “At the end of the year, I worked up the nerve to ask if I could call her over break, and she got kind of quiet.”  Galinda leaned forward, chin propped in one hand as she listened intently.  “She confessed that she was engaged to a guy back home.  She said she’d always been curious about girls and wanted to have the experience before she committed herself to him for the rest of her life.  She said that she’d had fun with me, but she ultimately wanted to be with him.  She went home, and we never spoke again.”

“Ouch,” Galinda said gently. 

“Yeah,” Elphaba muttered.  She crinkled her nose.  “You’re the only person I’ve ever told about that.  I mean, my sister knows about her.  She doesn’t know why I stopped seeing her.”  Elphaba shrugged one shoulder.  “I was careful to not bring anybody home after that.”

“There were others?”

“Uh, one,” Elphaba muttered.  “I met him at the Ozdust.  He was—let me see if I remember this right—the manager’s assistant for the football team from Frottica University.”  She groaned at the memory.  Galinda’s eyes went wide.

“Him?  You hooked up with a guy?”  She sounded a lot more surprised than Elphaba had expected.

“It wasn’t my finest moment.  I was trying to figure some things out.  The whole thing with my study partner was still under my skin.  He was in town for one night, and I let myself be someone else…for that one night.”  She swallowed hard.

“How was it?” Galinda asked softly.

“Awkward and clumsy.  Exactly like my other first time,” Elphaba snorted.  Galinda chuckled.  “We didn’t even know each other’s names.”

“Elphaba Thropp!”

“I told you.  Not my finest moment.  Sometimes I think back on it and wonder if it really happened.  I was going through some stuff.  It was an eye-opening event, to say the least.”  She covered her eyes with one hand for a moment, and Galinda nudged her foot under the table. 

“My first time with a guy was awkward and clumsy too.  I thought there was something wrong with me.  I didn’t enjoy it.”  She lowered her voice.  “I didn’t come.  I’ve never come with a partner.”  Elphaba found herself swallowing hard, and she shifted in her seat.  “I cried about it to my best friend, Fiyero.   He had a little crush on me back then.”  She rolled her eyes.  “Still does, I think.  He’d never admit it.”  Elphaba chuckled.  “I may have asked him to do it with me to see if maybe it was just the guy and not me.  He agreed, and we almost kissed before we both got freaked out.  I felt like I was about to kiss my brother or something.”  She shuddered.  “But that didn’t stop me from trying again with another guy.  Same thing.  I just wasn’t into it.”  She shrugged and sighed and dabbed a fresh brush into orange paint.  “When I finally said the words out loud?”  She shook her head.  “It was the most honest I’d ever been in my life.  I’m gay.”

“Thank Oz for that.  Because if you weren’t, we might have a slight problem here.”  Galinda made a face and held up her brush glopped with orange paint up, poised for attack.  Elphaba flinched and held a hand up.  “Don’t you dare.”  Galinda eyed her for a moment and lowered her hand.  “Good girl.”  Galinda flinched, eyes widening, face flushing pink and lips parting in a gasp.  Elphaba arched a brow.

“Hmm.”

“What?  What was that noise?”

“Nothing,” Elphaba grinned.  “I just learned something new about you.”  Galinda’s jaw clenched, and she blushed deeply. 

They chatted on for the next hour, painting and laughing and making each other blush with fond glances across the table.  It was easy and fun and exhilarating just spending time together and chatting about everything and nothing.  Before they knew it, Ms. Coddle was clearing her throat to announce the class was coming to an end. 

“Your paintings will be safe here overnight to dry.  You can pick them up tomorrow, but if you’re ready now, feel free to share with your partners what you’ve come up with.”  Galinda looked over at Elphaba expectantly. 

“Do you want to go first?” Galinda asked.

“Please.  I’d rather get it out of the way before you show your masterpiece.”

“Oh, hush.  Show me!”  Galinda practically bounced in her seat as Elphaba turned the easel sideways.  Galinda leaned over, lips parting softly, eyes unreadable as she looked at it.  “Elphie…this is beautiful.”  Elphaba made a face.  “I’m serious!  I love it!” 

Elphaba stared at the painting, trying to imagine it through Galinda’s eyes.  The girl was sunshine and sass, so leave it to her to find the good in Elphaba’s first ever painting that wasn’t done by finger with Nanny hollering about not getting anything on the fine oak dinner table. 

The painting consisted of mostly soft, blue hues, a dark sky gradually becoming lighter at the bottom with the soft, orange-yellow glow of a morning sun rising over a field of brightly colored flowers.  The flowers weren’t perfect by any means, just soft dots of color that were clearly supposed to be the famed colorful fields that Munchkinland prided itself on.

“What made you paint this?” Galinda asked, eyes glittering whimsically. 

“It used to be my favorite part of the day.  Waking up and watching a new day start.  I don’t know.  It gave me hope that good things would happen.  That’s how I feel when I’m with you.”

Galinda’s hand flew to her chest, mouth parting as if the breath had been stolen from her lungs.  She swallowed hard and blinked back tears, and then a little laugh fell from her lips.

“I love it, Elphie.  Thank you.”  She leaned over.  Elphaba met her half way and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. 

“It’s terrible, but thank you for loving it.”

“Don’t talk that way about my painting.  It’s going on my bedroom wall where it belongs.”  Elphaba chuckled and sat back in her seat. 

“My turn.  Let me see.”

“Ok.  But it’s not my best work.  I’m not much of a painter, as I’ve told you.”

“Yeah, yeah.  Just turn it around, Miss Artiste.”  Galinda grinned and hesitated a moment before turning her easel.  The orange and blue paint made a lot more sense when she realized that Galinda had painted a water scene that looked suspiciously like the lake they’d made out at just days ago.  There were vivid hues of orange and pink streaking across a darkening blue sky as the sun set behind the trees on the other side of the lake.  Elphaba looked to Galinda.

“This is beautiful,” she murmured.  “Galinda, you’re really good.”

“Thank you,” Galinda blushed. 

“Why a sunset?”

“It’s my favorite time of day.  It’s the time of day when you push all of the stress away and the evening settles in.  The world seems a little smaller.  Cozier.  The sun sets, and that just means we made it another day and we have another beautiful sunset to look forward to tomorrow.  When I’m with you, Elphie, that’s all I want.  I just want tomorrow.”  Her lower lip started to quiver, and Elphaba leaned in again, gently capturing the blonde’s chin between her thumb and forefinger before she leaned in and kissed her softly. 

“You can have it,” Elphaba promised. “C’mon.”  She stood then and reached for Galinda’s hand.  Galinda linked their fingers together and stood, brushing one last kiss against Elphaba’s lips.  Before they turned from the table, Galinda reached over and grabbed two untouched paint brushes.  One had a pink handle.  The other?  Green. 

“A little souvenir for our fourth date.”

“I don’t think we’re supposed to take those,” Elphaba laughed, glancing around. 

“We paid for the class, and she didn’t even teach.  I think we’re due a little compensation.  Yes?”  Elphaba thought for a moment before shrugging.

“Yes.”

*~*~*~*

“You can come in if you’d like.  I promise I won’t bite unless you ask me to.”

“You’re unhinged,” Elphaba laughed.  Galinda fumbled with the keys but managed to get the door unlocked, pushing it open to a dark apartment.  She looked over her shoulder and right into the smoldering green eyes that were staring directly at her lips. 

“So I’ve been told.  And I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you very much.”  She winked and turned away, narrowly missing Elphaba grabbing the door frame to keep herself steady on weak knees.

Galinda tossed her keys and purse onto the table by the door and immediately made a beeline for the lamp on the end table by the couch.  Elphaba stepped inside Galinda’s apartment, green eyes darting about the place, car keys jingling nervously in her hand as the door shut behind her. 

“Thank you for walking me to my door, Elphie,” she smiled, turning toward her.  “Do you want to sit a minute?”  She glanced over at the couch, bottom lip caught between her teeth for a moment, eyes hopeful and nervous at the same time. 

This sounded simultaneously like a terrible idea and the best idea Elphaba had ever heard. 

“I could sit a minute,” Elphaba agreed.

“I’ll be right back.  Do you want something to drink?” 

“Sure.  Um, water’s good.”

“Ok,” Galinda smiled.  “Make yourself at home.  I’ll be right back.”  She reached behind her head, unclipping her hair and letting it spill loosely over her shoulders.  Elphaba swallowed hard, watching the blonde run her fingers through her hair as she slipped off to the kitchen, hair swishing gently against her back.

Elphaba took a seat on the couch, placing her keys and phone down on the coffee table.  She sat on the edge of the cushion for a moment, ready to get up and go at a moment’s notice.  But that also sounded like a terrible idea.

Her throat was dry, so when Galinda returned with a bottle of water and handed it to her, she gulped a quarter of it down in one go.  Galinda raised an eyebrow curiously and sat down on the other side of the couch.  It was a safe distance.  One cushion between them.  Elphaba couldn’t help but notice how soft Galinda’s thighs looked when that skirt rode up as she tucked a leg under herself. 

“You ok, Elphie?” Galinda asked with a little smile as Elphaba choked back a cough and put the cap back on her bottle.  She leaned forward, placing it on the coffee table with her keys and phone.

“I’m good,” Elphaba assured her.  The heat that was already coiling low in her belly was moving lower, and she shifted on the couch to drape one arm over the back so she could simultaneously cross her legs for friction and casually turn toward Galinda.  “I had fun tonight.”

“Me too.  I can’t wait to get our paintings back!”

“Yours was gorgeous.  Mine was just…”

“Are you kidding?!” Galinda asked, turning toward Elphaba, tucking both legs under herself so her knees pressed into the cushions.  “Elphie, you did so good.”

“For a first attempt,” Elphaba snorted.

“For any attempt.  Besides, the meaning behind it makes it even more special and beautiful.”  She reached over and put her hand on Elphaba’s knee.  “I really did love it, Elphie.”  She licked her lips, and Elphaba’s heart nearly stopped. 

“I’m glad,” she murmured, voice hoarse and low.  Galinda leaned forward a little, and Elphaba’s gaze traveled down her chest and directly down the front of her shirt. 

Lurline save me.

“Well,” Galinda said softly, glancing toward the balcony doors.  “We missed the sunset.”

“Yeah, I guess we did.”

“Maybe we could still catch the sunrise.  You could sleep over.  I have plenty of room.”  The blonde’s voice was soft and honey sweet.  Elphaba couldn’t help herself.  She found herself leaning in, and that was all it took to get Galinda on the move, bridging the gap between them.  She was on Elphaba’s lap in a clock tick. Elphaba uncrossed her legs, her soft yelp of surprise swallowed by the soft moan that escape Galinda’s lips the moment Elphaba’s hands found her hips.    

Galinda’s knees were straddling one thigh, and Elphaba found herself panting as Galinda shifted and her knee pushed between her legs.  Her head fell back against the couch, and Galinda pulled back, breath coming fast between kiss-swollen lips. 

“Sorry, Elphie,” she whispered.  Elphaba’s hands moved up her back, one continuing up until her fingers threaded through silky blonde locks.  Elphaba’s eyelids were heavy with desire, her lips quirking up in a teasing little grin.

“No you’re not,” Elphaba murmured, leaning forward to press her lips against Galinda’s neck.  Galinda arched back, knee pressing harder into Elphaba. She groaned, core throbbing as the blonde’s hands gripped her shoulders. 

“I wouldn’t dream of rushing this,” she murmured almost musically before biting her lip when Elphaba’s teeth tugged at her earlobe. 

“Liar,” Elphaba panted.  “Kiss me.”

“Why, Elphie,” Galinda teased, “we hardly know each other.”

“Shut up,” she huffed, laughing, burying her face against Galinda’s collarbone.  Her shoulders shook with equal parts amusement and unadulterated desire.  Galinda grinned wickedly and wrapped her arms around Elphaba’s neck, pressing in close, kissing her hungrily.  Tongues and teeth and lips clashed and danced and teased until Elphaba was falling back, head knocking against the arm rest.  Galinda was on her, straddling one thigh.  Elphaba’s gaze flashed hot up into her pretty brown eyes, and she moved her leg just enough that her thigh came up to press between Galinda’s legs.  She felt the heat immediately, felt the slick coating her thighs and ruining her underwear.  “Fuck, Galinda.”

“I want you, Elphie,” Galinda panted between kisses.  “I-I need…”  She gasped when Elphaba’s thigh flexed and the subtle change in pressure made her hips jerk.  “Of fuck.”  Her head fell back, and Elphaba gripped her hips, feeling the wet heat against her bare thigh.  Galinda’s thighs clenched around Elphaba’s, and Elphaba’s eyes widened, watching the blonde rock against her thigh, eyelashes fluttering as she closed her eyes and let her mouth fall open with soft, desperate moans.  “Oh, Elphie.  I’m…I’m…”

“I’ve got you, my sweet.”  Galinda whimpered at the pet name.  “You’re so close.  So pretty for me when you’re riding me.”  She leaned forward to press open mouthed kisses to Galinda’s neck.  She tugged her tee down just enough to expose more of her chest, nipping and sucking at the tops of her breasts until Galinda’s body was shaking.  She went rigid, arms tightening around Elphaba’s shoulders, the most beautiful curses falling from her lips as she came. 

Galinda’s forehead fell against Elphaba’s.  Elphaba leaned forward, sucking Galinda’s bottom lip into her mouth, giving it a little nip before she let it go with a pop. 

“That was…you’re…”  Elphaba buried her words against Galinda’s mouth.  Galinda kissed back slowly, a satisfied hum rolling from her lips before she pulled away.

“That was intense,” Galinda panted.  “I’ve never…not like that.  Not so…Oz, Elphie.”  She bit her lip, gaze faltering as pink bloomed over her cheeks again.

“That’s the best thing that ever happened to me with my clothes on.”  Elphaba’s voice was so straight and serious that it knocked a laugh out of Galinda.  And her laughter, so beautiful and pure, made Elphaba cover her face with her hands.  Galinda’s shaking fingers curled around Elphaba’s wrists and tugged her hands away.

“I want to make you feel good,” she whispered, tongue darting out to wet her lips.  “I’m not sure I know how.”

“It’s ok,” Elphaba whispered, bringing one hand up to cup Galinda’s cheek.  The blonde looked almost shy now, and warmth bloomed in Elphaba’s chest, coiling around her thundering heart.  “There’s no rush.  We’ve got time.”  She looked over toward the balcony doors where the night stretched out over the city.  “Sunrise is hours away, and I’m not in any hurry.”

Notes:

Thoughts? Feelings? What the hell is date 5 gonna be at this point?

Chapter 9

Notes:

Once again, I thank you all for the incredibly amazing feedback! I appreciate you all so much! I hope this chapter was worth the wait! Please let me know what you think! <3

Chapter 9

Galinda was still trembling.  Elphaba’s arms were curled around her waist, and the blonde could feel the slight tremor in her hands as they slid up the back of her t-shirt.  Galinda’s breath shivered against Elphaba’s lips, every nerve ending in her body hyper aware of the beautiful woman that was touching her.  She felt warm and happy and hungry for more.  Her heartbeat quickened when Elphaba’s fingertips traced over the clasp of her bra.  She whimpered softly, sucking Elphaba’s bottom lip into her mouth, teasing over it with her tongue until she was opening up for more.

Elphaba moaned against the kiss, head rolling back against the arm rest of the couch.  Galinda peppered kisses down her jaw, lightly sucking at the side of her neck until she felt Elphaba’s fingers thread through her hair, nails gently dragging against her scalp.  Her mouth curved into Elphaba’s skin, a happy, satisfied smile hidden against sweat and tender flesh that echoed a heartbeat just underneath.  Her lips and teeth dragged down over Elphaba’s shoulder, gently biting and sucking there until Elphaba’s fingers tightened in her hair. 

“You taste so good,” Galinda whispered, lifting her head to look into Elphaba’s heavy, darkened eyes.  Elphaba chuckled soft and low beneath her, fingers loosening in her hair, hand trailing down her back again and then up under her shirt. 

“You feel good,” Elphaba murmured.  The blonde hummed softly and leaned up to press her lips to Elphaba’s.  She pulled back a little, her dimple on full display as a sleepy little smile curled over her lips. “What?”

“You said something about the sunrise,” Galinda murmured, nuzzling her nose against Elphaba’s cheek.  “Does that mean you’re staying?”  She pulled back and bit her bottom lip in anticipation, brows high, eyes hopeful.  The giddiness blooming in her veins made her tremble just a little more.  She clenched her jaw to keep her teeth from chattering. Elphaba smiled up at her, bringing one hand up to brush her tousled hair out of her face.

“Do you want me to stay?” Elphaba asked, lips pursed in a cute little smirk.  Galinda couldn’t resist kissing her again.  She tugged her lip between her teeth, gently biting down before letting go.  Elphaba moaned softly, one hand gently curling at Galinda’s neck, pulling her closer.

“Do you want to stay?” Galinda’s voice trembled softly, and she swallowed hard when Elphaba leaned her head back to look up at her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more.”  Galinda’s smile brightened, and she leaned in to kiss Elphaba again, softly and briefly.  Then she was pulling back and disentangling herself from Elphaba.  “Wait, where are you—”  Galinda held her hand out, a shy smile on her lips as she blushed.

“I want to show you my room,” she teased, catching her bottom lip between her teeth.  Elphaba swallowed hard, reaching for the blonde’s hand and rising to join her.  Galinda led her down the hall toward the bedroom.  Once inside, she hurried over to turn on the bedside lamp, illuminating the room in a soft, yellow glow.  Without fanfare, she gestured absently toward the bed.  “Here it is.”

The large bed looked soft and inviting, and of course, the bedding was pink.  Galinda eyed Elphaba anxiously for a moment and sat down on the side of the bed.  Elphaba stood in the doorway for a moment, shifting her weight from foot to foot.  She tucked her hands into the pockets of her shorts.  She looked nervous now, and somehow that made Galinda feel a little better.

“Come here, Elphie,” the blonde whispered sweetly.  “Come sit.”  Elphaba quickly stepped out of her shoes, leaving them by the doorway, a habit she’d had since she was a kid.  Wearing shoes in a bedroom felt odd and unnecessary.   Galinda watched as Elphaba made her way across the soft carpet to stand at the edge of the bed.  Galinda stared up at her in awe, blinking up at her as if she was staring at the heavens themselves.  Elphaba swallowed hard and untied the long sleeve plaid shirt from around her waist, discarding it into a chair near the bed.  Galinda’s hands moved to Elphaba’s hips, fingers tugging at the hem of her white tank top, slowly raising it just above her naval.  She leaned forward boldly, pressing a kiss to her stomach.  The muscles there jumped at the sudden, unfamiliar touch, and Elphaba moaned softly, one hand coming to Galinda’s shoulder, squeezing firmly. 

“Oz, Galinda,” Elphaba moaned the second she felt Galinda’s tongue against her skin.  Galinda looked up at her, gently nipping at her belly button. 

“I want to make you feel good,” Galinda whispered for the second time that night, hands moving up the backs of Elphaba’s legs, over her ass and up to rest upon her hips.  “Will you show me?”  Elphaba’s eyes flickered with something that made Galinda squeeze her thighs together.  Her mouth fell open and a soft gasp escaped when she watched Elphaba reach down and lift the tank top over her head.  The black bra underneath had Galinda squirming.  “Did you wear this just for me?”

“It’s the only one I had clean,” Elphaba insisted, getting a giggle out of the blonde.

“Liar,” Galinda teased.  “It’s ok.  It’ll be our little secret.”

“Thank Oz,” Elphaba chuckled.  Galinda kissed her stomach again, fingers gently fumbling with the button on Elphaba’s shorts.  The blonde smiled against warm, green skin stretched over taut muscle.  Elphaba was unbelievably toned.  Galinda couldn’t help but glance up at her with a grin.  “What?”

“You work out?”

“My building has a gym,” she admitted with a shrug.  “I go a couple times a week.” 

“It shows.”  Galinda huffed out a sharp breath, nipping at Elphaba’s belly button again.  Her hands slid up Elphaba’s back and deftly unclasped the back of her bra.  The fabric loosened and slid down Elphaba’s arms, and she visibly shivered when Galinda looked up at her. 

She was beautiful.  Nipples darker than the soft flesh of her breasts, hardened and straining against nothing now except Galinda’s appreciative gaze. 

“Baby,” Galinda whispered.  “You’re beautiful.”  Elphaba bit her lip, a whimper slipping out as Galinda’s shaking hand moved up the curve of her side and softly cupped a breast, thumb teasing over the nipple until Elphaba was arching into her hand.  “Come here.”  She patted the bed beside her, and Elphaba sat.  Galinda linked their fingers together, and she felt the tremble in the older girl’s hand.  “Are you nervous?”

“Yeah,” Elphaba breathed, green eyes flashing up to look at her, a dark blush creeping over her cheeks and down her neck.  “I’m nervous.”  Galinda raised Elphaba’s hand to her lips and pressed a soft kiss there.  

“Elphie?”

“Hmm?”

“Kiss me.”  Elphaba leaned into her then, hand coming up to caress her cheek and then slide down to her neck.  Fingers gently curled at the nape as she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Galinda’s already kiss-plumped lips.  It was slow and soft, and Galinda opened up to her, reveling in the taste of Elphaba’s lips and tongue as she lay her back against the mattress.  Galinda whimpered softly when she felt one hand slipping up under her shirt to graze over her belly. 

Elphaba pulled back to gauge her reaction.

“You ok?”

“Mmmhmm,” Galinda managed, lip properly caught between her teeth.  She took a shaky breath and nodded her head.  Elphaba smiled then, a little smirk that spread into a toothy smile that reached her eyes.  She chuckled softly, and Galinda relaxed a little, smiling between her bit lip before releasing it and pulling her arms around Elphaba’s neck.

Elphaba sank into her, breasts pressed against Galinda’s covered chest, hands teasing and soothing warm skin, one hand slipping lower to graze upon her outer thigh.

“Tell me if you want me to stop,” Elphaba whispered against her mouth.  “If it’s too much, just tell me, ok?”

“I don’t want you to stop,” Galinda panted.  “Please, Elphie.  Touch me.”  Elphaba kissed her again, tongue slipping between her lips, hand moving further upward until she was pressed against damp heat soaked through ruined panties. 

“Oz, Galinda,” Elphaba groaned.  Her lips were on the blonde’s neck in a moment, kissing the little flutter of a pulse before softly sucking.  Her hips shifted against Galinda’s, and the blonde’s leg came to hook over her hip.  She could feel the heat between Galinda’s legs pressing into the front of her shorts, and she leaned her forehead against her lover’s shoulder for a moment to compose herself.  Galinda’s hand stroked down her spine, manicured nails biting into soft flesh. 

When Elphaba raised her head again, Galinda smiled up at her, body trembling, fingers coming up to trace along the outline of her jaw. 

“Let me see you,” Elphaba murmured, dipping down for another soft kiss before trailing down to suck at the hollow of her throat.  Galinda closed her eyes, letting the heat from Elphaba’s mouth overpower her senses.  Her heart hammered in her chest, and the tension between her legs began to build.  She whimpered when Elphaba began to tug at her t-shirt, and she sat up a little to let her take it off.  Her lacy pink bra was next, and she giggled when Elphaba tossed it over her shoulder to land somewhere on the carpet. 

Her smile faded when she watched the way Elphaba’s eyes darkened when she stared down at her.  She took a shaking breath and bit her lip when Elphaba buried her face against her neck, kissing and nipping and trailing down again until she sucked one hard, pink nipple between her lips.  Galinda arched back, and Elphaba took the opportunity to pull one arm around her middle, gently scraping her teeth over the pert little bud until Galinda’s nails were digging into her back.

“Elphie, yessss,” Galinda panted, body hyper aware of each part of her body that was touching Elphaba’s bare skin.  The way Elphaba’s arm tensed around her waist, the way her mouth was hot and wet and teasing against her breast, the way Elphaba moaned softly and moved to treat the other breast just as tenderly as the other.  “Baby, that feels…oh!”  Elphaba’s free hand had worked its way between her legs again, pressing firmly against the front of Galinda’s panties.  Her fingers pressed gently at first, but soon, Galinda’s head fell back as those skilled fingers pressed firmly against her clit.  Her hips twitched against Elphaba’s hand, and Elphaba chuckled, pulling back.

“You ok?”

“Take them off.  Please,” she panted.  “Need to feel you.”  Elphaba chuckled softly then, pressing a chaste kiss to Galinda’s lips before she shifted slightly, straddling one thigh as she worked at the button on the skirt.

Galinda’s hands moved eagerly to help her, and she lifted up as Elphaba tucked her fingers in the waistband and tugged it down her hips.  The dark patch of wet on the front of Galinda’s pink panties—a perfect match to the carelessly discarded bra somewhere in the room—told Elphaba everything she needed to know.  A little smirk pulled at her lips. 

“So wet for me,” Elphaba murmured.  Galinda flushed red, hands covering her face, and Elphaba pulled at her wrists so she could look at her.  Galinda blinked up at her lover, watching the way the desire flickered in her eyes like a flame.  But there was something soft there, too, and the word stuck in Galinda’s head, repeating over and over again. 

Nobody had ever looked at her this way before, especially when she was so exposed and vulnerable.  It made her feel good.  It made her feel safe.  Looking up into Elphaba’s eyes made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

“Promise me you’ll tell me—”

“Promise me you won’t stop touching me,” Galinda murmured.  “Please, Elphie.  I need you.  I need you.”  She spoke each word like a prayer, a plea for deliverance.  Elphaba’s smirk bloomed into a smile, and she leaned down once more, kissing the space between Galinda’s breasts.  And then her fingers were tugging at the sides of those ruined panties, and Galinda shifted to help her pull them off. 

Her stomach muscles jerked the moment green fingers slid down between her breasts and her stomach.  She watched Elphaba’s eyes travel down between her legs to the little freckle between her thighs that few had ever seen.  Elphaba studied her like she was memorizing every curve and perfect imperfection, and she trembled, clenching around nothing as slick dripped from her and onto the pretty pink sheets.  Elphaba’s gaze flicked to hers.  Her tongue wet her lips. 

“Galinda,” she breathed.  She’d never heard her name sound so devastating and beautiful at the same time.

“Please, Elphie,” Galinda panted.  “Don’t make me beg.  Not yet.”  Elphaba chuckled then, falling over the blonde and kissing her breathlessly.  Galinda’s arms wrapped around her shoulders, holding her there, and in moments she felt the brush of warm, trembling fingertips against her clit.  Her hips jerked, cry muffled by Elphaba’s kiss.  She broke the kiss, head falling back against the pillow.  Elphaba’s fingers moved slowly, gently through heat and slick, teasing at her opening until Galinda’s legs dropped open just a little more.

“You’re so wet, my sweet,” Elphaba purred, nipping at Galinda’s jaw.

“Mmmmm,” Galinda squeaked out, lip caught between her teeth so hard she thought she tasted blood. 

“My beautiful girl,” Elphaba whispered, coating her fingers thoroughly before slipping two inside. 

“Fuck, Elphie!” Galinda cried, nails digging into Elphaba’s shoulders.  Elphaba stilled her movements for a moment, and Galinda shook her head.  “Don’t stop.  Don’t stop.  Please.”  She felt herself clench around Elphaba’s fingers, felt those fingers curl just a slight as Elphaba pushed deeper.  Her eyes screwed shut and her head hit the pillow again when Elphaba’s palm ground down against her clit. “I’m so clo-ohhhhh!”  Her grip tightened on Elphaba, body thrumming like a livewire, tension coiling tight as her heart stuttered in her chest and her thighs clenched around Elphaba’s hand.  And just as she felt herself starting to crash over the edge, Elphaba shifted and moved her hand, causing Galinda’s body to physically jolt from the loss.  But Galinda had no time to react, because a moment later, Elphaba’s hands were gripping her inner thighs, and her tongue was slipping inside, nose brushing her clit. 

Galinda’s eyes went wide before snapping shut again, toes curling into the mattress as Elphaba moved up to suck her clit.  The suction and the pressure was her complete undoing.  She gasped and cried out as she came hard against Elphaba’s mouth, body shaking with release, hands fisting into the sheets as every spark of energy in her body rushed through her blood and had her arching, hips bucking against the most intense feeling she’d ever felt.  It coiled in her chest as Elphaba eased back, lapping at her, tongue slow and languid as her body relaxed from the orgasm.

“Fuck,” Galinda panted, hands dragging through her blonde hair, fingers slick with sweat as Elphaba raised her head licking at her own lips and fingers with a satisfied little grin.  “What the fuck, Elphaba?”  Elphaba quirked an eyebrow and moved to lay next to her, propping her head in her hands casually with that Oz-damned smirk pulling at her lips. “Nobody’s ever…are you…are you telling me that’s what I’ve been missing my whole fucking—Oz, Elphie!”  Elphaba chuckled, and leaned in to kiss Galinda.

She could taste herself on Elphaba’s lips and tongue, and it was the most erotic thing she’d ever experienced.  She turned her body toward her lover, one arm pulling around her waist.  When she pulled back, she leaned her forehead against Elphaba’s. 

“The mouth on you,” Elphaba teased.

“Yeah, well, y-you should hear what’s going on in my head right now,” Galinda huffed out, shoulders shaking with a giddy laugh. 

“I’d love to,” Elphaba murmured, kissing her again. 

“Oz, I can’t even think. That was…”  She bit her lip and rolled onto her back again, beaming up at the ceiling.  Her heart was still thrumming wildly, and her entire body felt feather-light, as if for the first time she knew what it felt to fly. 

“Yeah?” Elphaba murmured, leaning over her to kiss  her again.  She sucked Galinda’s bottom lip into her mouth, teasing over it with her tongue.  “You taste incredible.”  Galinda swallowed hard, face flushing at the compliment.

“Elphie,” she breathed.  She looked up into Elphaba’s eyes.  She traced her fingertips along Elphaba’s jaw again, shivering when Elphaba curled her fingers around her wrist and turned her face to press a kiss to her palm.

Galinda turned then, gently pushing back on Elphaba’s shoulders.  A shy little smile brightened her features as she moved to straddle Elphaba’s hips with her knees.  Elphaba smirked up at her, eyebrow raising as the blonde’s hands moved up her hips and rested at her slender waist.  Galinda glanced down at the button on Elphaba’s shorts, and with trembling fingers, she began to undo them.  Elphaba’s hand moved to still her.

“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” Elphaba murmured.  Galinda smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her.

“Oh, Elphie.  I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more.”

Chapter 10

Notes:

I have no notes for this chapter. It's just pure smut and fluff. Thank you all for your kind comments! Reading them really makes my day! I hope you enjoy this one too!

Chapter 10

Elphaba’s stomach jumped as Galinda’s warm fingertips tugged at her unbuttoned shorts and slipped them down her thighs.  She could feel the tremble in Galinda’s hands, and she reached down to curl her own hands around shaking wrists.  Galinda’s gaze flickered up to meet hers, and Elphaba gave her a reassuring smile.

Galinda had never looked more beautiful.  Her blonde hair was a mess, tousled and wild.  Her lips were pink and swollen from kisses.  Her skin was glistening and warm, her eyes impossibly dark.  Elphaba’s hand moved up, cradling Galinda’s jaw, thumb brushing over her bottom lip like a silent prayer.  Galinda leaned into the touch, turning her face to press a kiss to Elphaba’s palm before her fingers curled into the sides of her underwear and dragged them down the rest of the way with her shorts.

Elphaba swallowed hard, muscles tensing as Galinda took her time looking her over.  Baring everything to a partner for the first time was always nerve-wracking, but the heat flaring behind Galinda’s gaze sent a rush of heat straight to her core.  She felt beautiful.  She felt wanted.  She felt desired. 

Galinda crawled over her then, one pale leg slotted between green thighs.  She claimed Elphaba’s lips in a kiss, dragging teeth over one tender bottom lip until Elphaba opened up and she licked inside.  Elphaba’s hands pawed at her waist, nails digging into soft flesh, making her with little crescents.

The blonde shifted then, curling at Elphaba’s side, one leg draping over Elphaba’s hip, one hand moving to rest against her chest. 

“How do you like to be—I mean…”  Galinda blushed brightly, thumb gently grazing the underside of Elphaba’s breast.  Elphaba’s hand came to rest over hers. 

“Kiss me.  Here,” Elphaba murmured, craning her neck.  Galinda licked her lips and leaned in, lips pressing against the side of Elphaba’s neck.  The older girl moaned softly.  Galinda peppered small, wet kisses from the slope of her shoulder up to the curve of her jaw, gently nipping there when Elphaba tilted her head back. 

The blonde smiled against Elphaba’s skin, pressing a soft kiss behind her ear as her hand slipped down her chest and grazed over one breast.  Elphaba’s hand came to rest over hers, holding her there.  Her gaze met Galinda’s, and she pressed a soft kiss to her lips, putting pressure on the delicate hand that cupped her breast.

Galinda rolled a hardened nipple between her thumb and forefinger experimentally, and the second Elphaba sucked in a sharp breath, she huffed out a little laugh. 

“Good?” she whispered.

“V-very,” Elphaba stammered, arching back when Galinda leaned down and teased the darkened peak with her tongue, gently grazing over it with her teeth before sucking firmly and releasing it with a wet pop.  “Fuck, Galinda.”  Galinda giggled softly before teasing the other nipple the same way, eliciting the same reaction from her beautiful girl. 

Galinda’s hand slipped down Elphaba’s stomach, fingers teasing at the soft skin there.  Her fingers shook, and she leaned up to kiss Elphaba again, distracting herself from her nerves, drawing strength and bravery from the soft moans Elphaba cried against her lips. 

She curled one arm around Elphaba’s neck, pulling her closer as the other hand continued down, gently pressing between warm, slick thighs as Elphaba opened up to her.

Elphaba’s hips surged forward, chasing the first tentative touches of Galinda’s gentle fingers. 

“Please,” she whimpered, gasping as Galinda’s teeth gently bit down on her lip. Trembling fingers grew bolder, slipping against Elphaba’s clit, dragging down slowly and pressing gently at her opening before slipping up again.  Elphaba’s hips jerked in response, and Galinda buried her face against Elphaba’s neck.

“Still good?”

“Don’t stop,” Elphaba murmured.  “That’s so—Oz—so good.”  Galinda sucked at her neck then, stroking Elphaba a little faster, thumb teasing over her clit before she slipped two fingers inside.  Elphaba sucked in a sharp breath, one arm curling around Galinda’s waist, fingers digging into her hip as her other hand gripped the sheets below. 

Galinda’s fingers slipped into her, curling gently with practiced ease.  Elphaba imagined this was how the blonde touched herself, and this caused an electric heat to surge through her.  She clenched around nimble fingers, whimpering and biting back a moan.  Galinda’s gaze dragged up, dark and hungry.  And then she was pulling her fingers out, slowly bringing them up to her mouth to suck them clean all at once.  Elphaba shivered when Galinda’s eyes fluttered shut.   Galinda hummed softly when she released her fingers and shifted to straddle Elphaba’s hips. 

A smile curled at her lips, and she leaned forward, kissing Elphaba, licking at her lips until she opened up to taste herself on Galinda’s tongue.  Elphaba groaned softly, clenching around nothing now, hips surging forward, seeking desperately needed attention.

“Baby, you’re so good,” Galinda whispered, thumb dragging gently across her clit again.  Elphaba screwed her eyes shut, silently judging herself for the way Galinda’s sweet praise had her dripping on the mattress.  And yet, she whimpered.  Warmth radiated through her chest.   “So good for me, Elphie.  So patient.”  Elphaba’s eyes snapped open, and she gripped Galinda by the hips.  Her voice was honey sweet yet bold, hands no longer trembling as she looked into Elphaba’s eyes with absolute certainty. 

“Galinda, I’m—”  Her head fell back when Galinda slipped her fingers inside once again, and then she was on the move, sucking and licking the salty flesh between her breasts, tongue and lips teasing down her sternum as she shifted and Elphaba’s legs spread wider for her to settle.

Elphaba’s fingers threaded into soft, golden hair as Galinda pressed a kiss to each hip, gaze focusing on Elphaba’s. There was a softness there now, shyness slipping back in as the blush returned to her cheeks.  Elphaba’s head fell back at the first slide of Galinda’s warm, wet tongue against her folds.  She choked on a sob, fingers clenching, nails dragging against scalp.  Galinda moaned against her core, fingers still fucking into her, curling with each upward thrust, faster now.  Tongue and  lips worked in tandem on the swollen little bud, and Elphaba’s thighs shook on either side of Galinda’s head.

The sound of Galinda’s mouth against Elphaba’s slick heat were exhilarating and obscene, and that came from somewhere primal inside of the blonde vibrated through Elphaba and practically shoved her to the edge. 

Galinda’s touches were tentative and exploring, but Oz, just the feel of her was more than Elphaba could have asked for. 

One manicured hand squeezed at a green thigh, the other continued to pump two fingers inside, and when Galinda latched on to her clit, teasing over it with her tongue, an overwhelming feeling of pressure took over, coiling down low.  Elphaba let out something between a wail and a scream, fingers tugging at blonde locks to hold her in place.  She felt a warm gush when her hips jerked, and her eyes blew wide open in surprise.

Between her legs, staring up at her with wide, brown eyes was Galinda lapping at her like she couldn’t get enough.  And the pleasure cracked through her nerves like lightning before she collapsed on the mattress with a trembling blonde crawling up on awkward limbs to settle at her side.

Her chin and lips were slick and red, and Elphaba couldn’t help but lean in to taste herself on Galinda’s mouth. 

“Oz,” Elphaba whispered, moaning as Galinda’s tongue slid against hers.  “That was…”

“Are you…how was…”  Galinda stuttered against Elphaba’s mouth, pulling back and biting her own lip between her cute little teeth. 

“I’ve never—” Elphaba panted.  “I didn’t know I could do that.”  Hot flush spread through her face and down her neck, and her thighs continued to tremble. The ache between her legs was now soothed and replaced by a deep pulsing as her muscles continued to spasm in the aftermath. 

“Babe,” Galinda whispered, softly kissing her jaw.  “That was amazing.”  Her eyes were wide and filled with awe.  Her jaw was still slick, and Elphaba’s heart stuttered in her chest at the sight.  “Did I do…what did I do?”

“I—I don’t know, but…”  Elphaba felt the dampness of the sheet beneath her against her when she shifted, and she groaned softly, sitting up a little, eyes wide now as something between wonder and embarrassment crept in.  “Oh Oz, I…”

“Elphie?”  Galinda’s eyes were wide.  Curious.  “Are you ok?”

“I’m ok.  I’m…I just…”  She wiped the sweat from her brow.  “Your sheets.  I’m sor—”  Galinda practically tackled her back against the mattress, kissing her breathlessly and sinking against her so perfectly, like they were meant to hold one another like this forever.

“They’ll wash,” she whispered.  Elphaba let out a soft chuckle then, and Galinda giggled, nibbling at her neck.  When she raised her head again, there was a confidence in her eyes that was so Oz-damned beautiful.  And something else.  Something almost smug.  Oh, she was proud of herself, and that made Elphaba smile wider.  “What are you staring at, Elphaba Thropp?”

“Everything, my sweet,” she whispered, tucking a messy strand of hair behind her lover’s ear.  “Kiss me again.”  And she did.

*~*~*~*

“Hot fudge or strawberry syrup?  It’s all I’ve got!” Galinda called from the kitchen where she was rummaging through the cabinets recklessly during a post-sex hunger emergency.

“Strawberry’s good!” Elphaba called, stepping into the living room and looking around sleepily for her cell phone.  She immediately spotted it just where she’d left it on the coffee table, and as she crossed the room to get it, she caught a glimpse of herself wearing one of Galinda’s oversized pink shirts that doubled as a nightgown.  It said Shiz University on the front and was exactly what Elphaba would not be caught dead in.  But it was comfortable and smelled like Galinda, and while she felt like she looked ridiculous, she wasn’t planning on taking it off anytime soon. 

Her skin felt warm and soft under the fabric.  She was thoroughly spent, but the appetite they’d worked up had led Galinda to the brilliant conclusion that they should have sundaes before bed.  And Elphaba was not about to deny her girl, well, anything. 

Elphaba groaned softly as she bent over to grab her cell phone off the coffee table.  Her legs were still a little wobbly, and she ached in the best way.  She glanced at the time.  It was pushing midnight.  She saw a message on her phone from Nessa and immediately opened it to make sure everything was alright.

Hope you had a great time on your date!  Staying at Boq’s, so don’t wait up!  He’ll drive me home tomorrow.

Elphaba chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment, but her grin won out, and she chuckled softly as she tapped out a quick response.

I’m staying at Galinda’s tonight.  Not ETA on my return.  I may live here now.  Not sure. 

She sent a little laughing emoji and was surprised to see Nessa begin responding immediately. 

Oh, so you did have a great time on your date.  Look at you staying over.  Do I hear wedding bells?

Why are you up?  Wait.  Don’t answer that.

Boq’s making breakfast.

At midnight?

We got hungry.

Don’t elaborate.  Please.   

I won’t elaborate if you don’t.  I’ll text you tomorrow when I head home.  Love you!

Love you too.  Night, Nessa.

She put her phone down with a little huff of a laugh and looked up just as Galinda came into the room with an ice cream bowl in each hand.  Her hair was sticking up in the back.  A faint pink streak was smudged down her chin and across her cheek from messy kisses that absolutely wrecked the gloss she’d applied earlier that evening.  She wore an oversized t-shirt that hung off one shoulder and exposed a love bite on her collarbone as well as against the side of her neck. 

She was stunning.  Galinda paused when she noticed Elphaba staring.

“What?” she asked.  The blush blooming across her cheeks and spreading down her neck made her even more beautiful it that was even possible.  Elphaba noticed a bit of hot fudge dripping off the side of one bowl, and she moved quickly across the room, catching the warm chocolate with her fingertip.  She held her finger up to Galinda who leaned in and licked the sweetness clean before sucking Elphaba’s fingertip and letting it go with a pop.

“Tease,” Elphaba smirked.

“You started it,” Galinda shrugged, flouncing past her and back toward the bedroom.

“Where are you going?”

“Back to bed.”

“With ice cream?”  Elphaba followed her back to the room.  She leaned against the doorframe when the blonde plopped down on the bed with both bowls. 

The covers were rumpled, a damp spot glaring on the fitted sheet that Galinda graciously covered with a blanket.  She leaned back against the headboard and patted the other side of the bed.

“Elphie, come to bed. I’m cold.”

“And yet, you’re holding ice cream.”

“I can’t resist a sweet treat,” she smiled, winking as Elphaba crossed the room.  “Be nice to me and I might share.”  Elphaba smirked, slipping into the bed next to Galinda, leaning back against the headboard and curling one arm around the girl’s middle.  “You look so pretty in my shirt, Elphie.” 

Elphaba blushed, and her heart did a little dance in her chest as she accepted her vanilla ice cream with strawberry syrup.  She eyed Galinda who smiled around her spoon as she took a bite of her own. 

Elphaba’s gaze darted down to Galinda’s lips, eyes darkening as the blonde licked a smear of hot fudge from her lip with a little moan.  There was no hiding the way she squeezed her thighs together.  Something flashed behind Galinda’s eyes, and a little smirk pulled at her lips, highlighting her dimple. 

“It’s so good, Elphie.  You want a taste?”  She took another bite of ice cream, and Elphaba leaned in to kiss her deeply.  Galinda squealed, spoon clinking into her bowl as she opened up to Elphaba and shivered when their tongues met.  When Elphaba pulled back, she licked her lips and wiped a smudge of chocolate off of Galinda’s chin.

“Mmm.  It is good.  Thanks,” Elphaba smirked.  Galinda stuck her finger into Elphaba’s bowl, gathering up a bit of strawberry syrup before sucking her finger into her mouth up to the knuckle.  Elphaba watched every movement, eyes darkening by the second.  And just as Galinda sucked the last bit from her fingertip, Elphaba moved in again, mouth hungry and seeking, and Galinda giggled between kisses, blindly reaching out to place her bowl on the bedside table.

“Elphie, mmmmm,” Galinda murmured, arm snaking around her neck as Elphaba put her own bowl aside before rolling the blonde onto her back.  “Your ice cream’s gonna melt.”

Elphaba huffed a laugh against Galinda’s neck, nosing against her pulse and breathing in the scent that was so uniquely and beautifully Galinda Upland as their bodies began to respond to each touch and kiss and caress.  As Elphaba leaned in to nibble on the shell of Galinda’s ear, she whispered.

“Let it.”

Notes:

How are we feeling? Do we think Elphie might also have a little praise kink herself? Who wants ice cream?

Chapter 11

Notes:

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on the last chapter! I appreciate them so much!!
Also, French toast exists in Oz. I don't make the rules.

Chapter 11

Galinda was fast asleep when Elphaba woke.  The morning sunlight was harsh, haloing behind room darkening blinds,  It spilled out onto the carpeted floor.  Elphaba yawned and tried to stretch, finding it next to impossible with the pretty blonde pressed up against her, legs tangled with hers and one arm heavy across her middle.  She looked at the clock.  She blinked.  She rubbed her eyes.  She looked again.  She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept past seven in the morning, let alone all the way until ten thirty.

Galinda sighed softly and stirred, moving her arm so that her hand was resting against Elphaba’s stomach.  Elphaba bit her lip and swallowed hard.  She gave the blonde’s shoulder a little squeeze.

“Morning,” she whispered.  Galinda muttered something unintelligible.  Elphaba smirked.  “Are you hungry?”  Galinda stirred again, muffling words against Elphaba’s warm neck.  Elphaba bit back a chuckle.  “It’s pushing lunch time, my sweet.  I can make you something.”  Galinda groaned softly and lifted her heavy head.  She blinked at Elphaba, eyes wildly unfocused, hair still wildly tousled, face still stained with last night’s lip gloss.

“You cook?” she asked, lashes fluttering as a warm, happy smile spread across her face.

“Mmm.  I can make a really terrible looking pancake, but I promise it’ll be delicious,” she smirked.  Galinda grinned.  “Or if you want something savory, I could do an omelet.”

“I think you overestimate the contents of my refrigerator, sweet Elphie.  I usually do my grocery shopping on Saturdays.”  She blushed and pressed a gentle kiss to Elphaba’s neck.  “I have cereal and milk.”

“Cereal’s good,” Elphaba said with a nod.  “Coffee?”

“Oh, coffee is a staple in this house.”  She kissed Elphaba’s jaw.  Warm, green fingers caressed her cheek and brushed through her tangled hair.  “Do you have plans today, Elphie?”

“No,” Elphaba said with a little shrug.  “I’m going to get some writing done, but there’s no rush.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of getting in the way of your creative process,” Galinda teased, running a fingertip down Elphaba’s jaw.  Elphaba chuckled. 

“If anything, you help it.  I have a few ideas.”

“They just came to you, did they?” Galinda smiled. 

“Hmm.”

Galinda bit her lip to suppress a squeal. 

“Does that mean they’re going for it?”  She was practically bouncing on the mattress as she sat up.

“I might save that for the sequel,” Elphaba teased.  Galinda sat up, bouncing on the mattress. 

“Oz, Elphie, this is huge!  Oh my Oz!  Is Elosia going to break up with Leander?  Oh!  Or does Nyemma just give into temptation and kiss her, and she has this eye-opening moment and kisses her back?  Oh, Elphie!  I can’t wait to read it.”  She scrambled off the bed, hair flying wildly behind her.  Elphaba’s heart leapt at the sight of her when she started to pace.  “Ooh, what if you end the book on a cliffhanger?  What if you have Nyemma stop the wedding?  Or she goes to Elosia before the wedding and declares her love for her and asks her not to make the mistake of marrying that…man.”  Galinda wrung her hands together.  “Oh, but that wouldn’t feel right for Nyemma.  She’d feel like it was the selfish thing.  Oz, I love them so much, Elphie.  How are you going to do it?”

“You wouldn’t want spoilers would you, my sweet?”

“Um, yes, please!” Galinda huffed.  Elphaba quirked a brow.  Galinda paused.  Frowned.  Her shoulders slumped.  “No.  I don’t.”  She fell back against the bed and Elphaba chuckled, leaning over to kiss her again. 

“Go.  Shower.  I’ll make coffee, we’ll eat, and then I might clean up before we leave.”

“We?” Galinda asked, biting her bottom lip.

“I thought we’d swing by and get our paintings.  Maybe I could show you my place.”   Galinda’s eyes lit up, and she sat up excitedly.

“I’d love to see your place.”

“You don’t have other plans?”

“Absolutely none.  I’m all yours.  For the whole weekend if you’d like.”  She blushed at her own words, and Elphaba felt them wrap around her heart like a warm blanket.  Galinda sat up, leaning in to kiss Elphaba softly.

“I’d like that,” Elphaba admitted with a little smile.  Galinda beamed, dimple on full display.   “Go on.  Save me some hot water.”

“Why don’t we be responsible Ozians and conserve water?”  She winked at Elphaba, reaching out to pull her out of bed.  Elphaba groaned softly, letting the blonde pull her in.  She was too weak to resist if she wanted to.  A smile spread over her face, and she curled her fingers at the nape of the blonde’s neck, pulling her in for a tender kiss.

“I like the way you think, Galinda Upland,” she whispered.  Galinda giggled and trapped one plump lip between her teeth, tugging it gently before letting it go with a pop.

“Then you’re going to love the ideas I have for us this morning,” she whispered suggestively, kissing Elphaba once more before taking her hand and leading her to the bathroom.  Elphaba followed willingly, that warm, happy flutter in her chest making her positively dizzy. 

Galinda flipped on the bathroom light and gasped when she caught a look of herself in the mirror. 

“Oz, Elphie!  I look positively—”

“Beautiful,” Elphaba finished, stepping up behind her in the mirror and wrapping her arms around her waist.  She pressed her nose into the side of Galinda’s slender neck and breathed deeply.  Galinda moaned softly and leaned back against her chest.

“I so do not,” Galinda snorted. But when the reflection of Elphaba’s dark gaze met hers in the mirror, she shivered and bit her bottom lip. 

“Beautiful,” Elphaba repeated.  She pressed a kiss to the side of her neck.  “Ravaged.”  Another kiss.  “Ruined.”  She sucked softly, tongue slipping out to tease.  Her hand moved down, fingernails catching at the hem of the oversized t-shirt and dragging up.  Galinda slumped a little on weak knees.  “Mine.”

“Yes,” Galinda panted, turning her face so Elphaba could kiss her.  She leaned into the kiss, chased it, hungered for it.  Her arm came up to wrap around Elphaba’s neck before she turned in her arms and deepened the kiss.  She was thrumming, trembling, pressing into Elphaba like she couldn’t survive without touching her for another moment.  She broke the kiss long enough to take a breath, voice whispering against Elphaba’s waiting mouth.  “Yours.”

*~*~*~*

Galinda sat at her vanity brushing out her damp hair.  She could hear Elphaba puttering around in the kitchen doing a whole lot more than was necessary for cereal and milk.  A smile pulled at her lips, and she let her gaze wander over the slope of her neck.  The little love bites dotting her skin made her blush deeply.  Some of them from last night were already starting to fade.  The others Elphaba had inflicted upon her in the shower a few minutes ago still tingled from the suction of her mouth, the tease of her tongue, the scrape of her teeth. 

Galinda shifted on the bench seat, thighs squeezing tightly. 

She couldn’t get enough.  Her body felt like a live wire.  She’d never known sex could be so good.  And she wasn’t sure how she’d gotten so lucky as to find a partner like Elphaba.  She’d been incredible.  Patient.  Communicative.  Delicious.

Galinda’s face flushed again.  She met her own gaze in the mirror and almost had to look away.  She felt like a new woman.  Same face.  Same dimple.  Same brown eyes.  But last night was a fucking revolution.  Elphaba had woken up a part of her that she didn’t quite recognize.  And that wasn’t a bad feeling.  She felt liberated.  Bold.  Sexy.  Wanted. 

Sense memory was a hell of a thing.  Despite the minty toothpaste taste in her mouth, she could still taste Elphaba. Still smell her.  Still feel her hands on her body, her mouth on her, her tongue inside of her. 

Fuck.

Galinda fanned herself with her hand.  The red in her cheeks deepened. 

The way Elphaba had responded to her was still at the forefront of her memory, emblazoned forever in her mind to look back upon with equal parts joy and pride.  She hadn’t even known an orgasm like that was possible.  And Elphie had been so shy about it afterward.  She understood being self-conscious, but sweet Lurline, that had been the most glorious thing she’d ever witnessed. 

Her phone buzzed on the vanity top.  She looked down to see a text from Fiyero.  With a little smile, she checked her messages.

How was the date?  Painting class go well?  You weren’t arrested for public indecency were you?

Galinda smirked and glanced at the little green paint brush she’d taken from the class.  It was in with her makeup brushes, a reminder of the best date of her life. 

She felt giddy thinking about over the evening and how nervous she’d been and how they’d talked and painted together and just had fun. She’d never had a date she’d enjoyed more.  She’d started and stopped texting about six times before finally settling on the biggest understatement of a response.

It was really good.  : )

Hmmm.

What’s that supposed to mean?

You’ve been typing for three minutes, and all you could come up with was it was really good.  And a smiley face. 

So?

So it was either the worst date you’ve ever had, which I doubt, or you got laid.

What?!

I know you, Galinda Upland.  You’re trying to keep all of the juicy details to yourself.

Just because you relay your sexual exploits in epic poem detail does not mean I will be doing the same.

So you DID get laid.

Shut up.  I did not!

So it would be fine for me to drop by with donuts and coffee then?  I’m in the neighborhood.

What?  No!  I’m painting.

Painting, yes?  I’ve seen you in pajamas crying over a sketch you felt was ruined because you didn’t get the nose just right.  You’ve never refused coffee and donuts because of art before.  This wouldn’t have anything to do with the strange car parked outside your building, would it?

Galinda gasped and got up, tearing over to the window and peeking out to see Fiyero’s car parked directly behind Elphaba’s.  He must have seen her looking, because he waved. 

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

I’ll just pop on up then.  Good?

Not good.  Please leave.  I love you. 

I love this for us.  Truly.  Tell Elphaba I said good morning.

Galinda smirked down at her phone and shook her head.  She quickly put her phone down on the bedside table and moved to the closet to pick out something to wear.  She wanted something comfortable and casual, but something that Elphaba might want to rip off of her later.  So, she settled on a simple pink shirt with Shiz U embroidered across the front in white and a pair of very short jean shorts that showcased her legs and made her ass look fantastic.  She chose a pair of comfortable flats to go with it, and by the time she was dressed and her hair was styled, the delicious aroma of something distinctly not cereal was wafting into the bedroom.  Her stomach was grumbling, and she let the delicious aroma lead her down the hall to Elphaba.

She stopped in the doorway of the kitchen and leaned against it a moment, admiring the way Elphaba looked standing at the stove, her braids down and loose, spilling over her back.  She’d borrowed a pair of khaki shorts and a blue tank top from Galinda, and they fit her almost perfectly.  Honestly, Galinda was certain she herself had never looked so good in them. 

“Hey,” she said sweetly from the door.  Elphaba glanced over her shoulder, brows raised, a smile on her lips.

“Come sit,” she urged.  “You had two eggs and a little bread left over.  I made French toast.”  Galinda’s eyes went wide, and her stomach grumbled louder. 

“You know how to make French toast?”

“Nessa loved it when we were kids.  Our nanny Dulci taught me how to make it.”  She laughed softly, and Galinda smiled warmly.  “I made it so often that Nessa refuses to eat it now.”  Galinda giggled at that, and Elphaba plated up a portion and carried it to the table.  Galinda’s eyes went wide as Elphaba pushed a bottle of syrup toward her.

“Elphie, this looks amazing.  It looks so…so professional.”

“Ah, well, keep that in mind when you see my pancakes.  I haven’t mastered those quite yet.” She moved back to the stove, plated her own breakfast and returned to sit across from Galinda. 

“You look good in my clothes, Elphie,” Galinda flirted before taking a bite.  Her brows shot up, and she covered her mouth with her hand as she chewed.  “Oh, my Oz.  This is the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.”  Elphaba quirked a brow.  “Second best.  Will you marry me and make me French toast every morning for the rest of our lives?”  She batted her eyelashes, an amused, lighthearted glint in her eyes.

“Hmmm,” Elphaba thought aloud, eyes narrowing at the blonde.  “Only if you do that thing you just did in the shower every morning for the rest of our lives.”

“Oh, deal!”  They both laughed and continued breakfast, and every time Galinda made an involuntary moan at the delicious flavor, the look in Elphaba’s eyes softened even more.  Galinda took her time, savoring each bite.  Elphaba finished first, and Galinda noticed her staring as she sipped at her coffee.  She blushed.  “What?”

“What?”

“You’re staring,” Galinda murmured, biting back a smile, dimple dimpling.

“I am?”  She smirked, and Galinda bit her lip. 

“You are.”  Galinda hummed softly around her last bite of French toast and took a sip of coffee to wash it down. 

“You’re smiling,” Elphaba pointed out, brows raising as she sipped her coffee.

“I’m happy,” Galinda smiled.  “I’m sitting across from the prettiest girl in all of Oz, and she cooked me breakfast this morning.  She satisfied my hunger in more than one way.  I have the best girlfriend anyone could ask for.”  Elphaba froze, mid sip, her eyes momentarily unreadable. And then, a smile.  She placed her coffee cup down on the table.

“Girlfriend, huh?”

“Well, we practically just got married over French toast. I think we have to label it.  It’s time.”  She nodded matter of factly, and Elphaba’s smile bloomed. 

“Oh, absolutely,” she agreed.  Galinda’s foot nudged hers under the table, and they finished the rest of their coffee in a lazy Saturday morning quiet that felt like home.

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed this! I wanted to give you all a little something silly and sweet. How are we feeling?

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Elphaba unlocked the door to apartment 621 with a painting clutched in one hand and Galinda’s hand clutched in the other.  Galinda’s eyes went wide when she looked, admiring the space and décor.  It was very homey with soft colors.  The main walls were a neutral eggshell while the wall behind the television was a deep, dark purple.  Picture frames adorned the walls.  Houseplants sat in windowsills and on stands in well-lit corners of the apartment. 

“Elphie, it’s so nice,” Galinda beamed, gently placing the painting Elphaba had made for her down against the back of an armless chair near the door. 

“Nessa helped me pick out most of the furniture, hence the soft, neutral colors.  I wanted a black couch.”  Galinda laughed and gave Elphaba’s hand a squeeze. 

“Are you going to give me the tour?”

“If you want,” Elphaba shrugged, placing the painting Galinda made for her on the coffee table along with the little pink handled paint brush.  She rubbed the back of the blonde’s hand with her thumb.  A little smile tugged at her lips, and she gestured with one arm toward the center of the room.  “This is home.”  Galinda moved toward the bookshelves.  Half of the contents were books, half movies and CDs.  Galinda leaned forward to check out her girlfriend’s collection.

“I’m sensing a theme here, Elphie.  Romantic comedy.  Romance.  Romance.  Romantic comedy.”

“Most of those are Nessa’s,” Elphaba insisted.

“Ooh, gay romantic comedy.”

“Hers too.”

“I love your sister already.”  Elphaba laughed softly and let go of Galinda’s hand only to wrap one arm around her waist.  Galinda reached out and delicately touched the edge of a silver picture frame.  She smiled and looked to Elphaba with an adoring smile.  “Elphie, look at you!  You were so cute!”  Elphaba rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin as Galinda fawned over a photo of her when she was about three years old. She was smiling a big, gap-toothed grin, her nose crinkling as she looked slightly off camera. She was wearing a poofy white dress and even wore little gloves as she held an umbrella.  Her hair was in two braided pig tails. 

“My mother insisted we all get dressed up and take family pictures.  I barely remember this day, but my mother said I refused to smile.  But Nessa started fussing in her stroller, so she picked her up and started dancing around singing some silly song.  I was so busy watching her and laughing that I completely forgot about the photographer.”

“That’s so sweet,” Galinda sighed, hand settling on her chest.  Her gaze settled on another picture taken the same day.  It was a family portrait.  She was sitting on her mother’s lap, and Nessa was in their father’s arms.  Galinda’s lower lip pouted for a clock tick, and she looked to Elphaba.  “Your mother was beautiful.”  Elphaba nodded and swallowed hard.  “You look like her.” 

“No I don’t,” she chuckled.  “I don’t look like anyone in my family.”

“Hmm,” Galinda murmured, shaking her head.  “Your eyes look like hers.  Except yours are the prettiest green I’ve ever seen.”  She nudged her shoulder against Elphaba’s.  “And look how she’s smiling.  That’s how you smile when you’re thinking.”  A soft smile tugged at Elphaba’s lips.

“Really?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“I used to study these pictures and try to find something that looked like me.  I used to imagine I’d be walking in some big city someday and run into a man who looked like me.”  Galinda leaned her head on Elphaba’s shoulder, gaze dancing over the family photos.  One photo showed Elphaba sitting in a hospital chair, her little legs barely long enough to bend over the seat.  In her little green arms was a tiny, fragile baby swaddled in pink with a little tube coming out of her nose.  She reached out and touched the frame, and Elphaba sighed softly.

“That’s the first time I got to hold Nessa.  She was about three weeks old in this picture.  I couldn’t understand why we couldn’t take her home.  My mother explained that Nessa wasn’t ready to come home yet, but she’d be with us soon.  She felt like a baby doll, and I just wanted to take her home and play with her.”  She chuckled softly at the memory.  “She came home a couple of weeks later, and I was just fascinated by her.  And then she grew up and started talking and being an absolute menace.”  She huffed out a little laugh.  “Some things never change.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

“She looks so much like our mother,” Elphaba sighed.  She nodded toward another photo, this one a lot more recent.  It was a selfie of her and Nessa on the couch in their new apartment, unpacked boxes towering behind the couch in the background. 

“She’s beautiful.  Runs in the family,” Galinda smiled, kissing Elphaba’s cheek.  Elphaba felt that same soft-around-the-edges warmth wrapping around her bones and settling in her chest as Galinda looked at her with pure adoration.  Her breath caught, and she blinked as if she were stunned.  Galinda’s hand came up to rest upon her cheek.  She turned into the touch, arms pulling around Galinda’s waist, bringing her close before she leaned down to kiss her.  Galinda hummed contentedly against Elphaba’s mouth. 

A soft chime interrupted them, and Elphaba pulled back slowly with a groan.  She retrieved her phone from her back pocket and glared down at the screen before snorting.

“My sister.  Impeccable timing as always.”  Galinda giggled and swiped her thumb over the corner of Elphaba’s mouth before pulling away so Elphaba could take the call.   “Nessa?”  Her hand flew out, capturing Galinda’s wrist.  The blonde bit her lip to stifle a giggle, and Elphaba traced her thumb slowly over the inside of her wrist.  Her gaze fixed on Galinda’s eyes, watching them darken as a blush filled her face.

“Hey. Are you home?”

“Actually, I am.  Just got here.  What’s up?”  Galinda leaned in and kissed her lips briefly, a soft smack sounding when she pulled away and moved across the room.  Elphaba tracked her every step like a jungle cat waiting for the opportunity to pounce.

“So, change of plans,” Nessa chuckled.  “I’m staying at Boq’s tonight.”  Elphaba shook her head and forced her attention back toward her sister’s voice.

“Don’t tell me you’re cleaning his apartment.  Nessa, he needs to clean up after himself.”

“Shut up,” Nessa laughed.  “He did clean before I came over.  There isn’t a single pizza box in sight.”

“What a prince,” Elphaba sighed, a hint of teasing in her voice. 

“Stop,” Nessa laughed.  “He’s sweet.”

“If you’re happy, I’m happy,” Elphaba pointed out.

“I thought you might like a nice, quiet day at home to write.  No distractions,” Nessa offered.  Elphaba glanced at Galinda who was moving about the room looking at the various pictures and knickknacks.  Her hands were behind her back, hands clasped, blonde hair flowing freely and swishing as she walked.  She glanced over her shoulder as if sensing Elphaba’s eyes on her.  She winked, and Elphaba squeezed her thighs together.

“No distractions,” Elphaba said tightly.  She could hear the faint flutter of her heart as her pulse picked up just a little.  “So, what time is he dropping you off?” Her voice was at least an octave higher than normal, and she hoped it wasn’t too noticeable.  There was a pause before Nessa spoke again.

“I-I don’t know.  We haven’t made any set plans.”  Another pause.  “Why, Fabala?”  Her voice was coated in saccharine sweetness, and Elphaba rolled her eyes. 

“N-no reason.  I was just curious.”

“Is she there?” Nessa asked softly. 

“Maybe.”

“Oh, this is huge.  You brought a girl home after you stayed the night at her house? Did you bring a tape measure?”

“What?”

“So you can measure your furniture to see if it’ll fit at her place.”

“I hate you so much,” Elphaba sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.  Nessa laughed happily, and Elphaba could hear Boq say something muffled in the background.  Nessa’s voice fell away from the phone for a moment. 

“Elphaba has company.”  She giggled happily, and Elphaba’s eyes rolled skyward.

“I’m hanging up now.”

“No, wait!”

“Have fun, Nessa.”

“Oh, you too.  I’ll definitely text before I come home.  Love you!”  The call went silent, and Elphaba’s hand lingered with her phone pressed to her ear for a few moments before she tucked the phone back into her pocket.

Galinda turned back to her, her big, brown eyes wide and sparkling with something mischievous.

“My sister,” Elphaba chuckled softly.  “It seems she’s staying one more day at her boyfriend’s.”

“Oh, is she?” Galinda said with a little nod, stepping closer to Elphaba, hands unclasping from behind her, fingers twitching as if aching to touch.  Her hand came up to graze slowly over the back of the couch.  Elphaba swallowed thickly, gaze dragging over Galinda from head to toe as she approached. 

“Yeah.”  Her voice was barely a whisper.  “She, um, didn’t want me to have any distractions.”

“No distractions,” Galinda agreed with a little nod, tongue parting out to wet her lips.  “Very considerate.”

“Hmm.”  The sound was half hum half groan, and it was quickly swallowed by Galinda’s greedy mouth as she wrapped her arms around Elphaba’s neck and pressed into her.  Elphaba stumbled backward briefly before steadying herself, hands centering on Galinda’s waist, fingers flexing there while the blonde’s tongue slipped into her mouth.

“Elphie,” she panted, nipping at her bottom lip.  Elphaba’s head fell back when Galinda’s teeth grazed her jaw.  “I’d like to see your room.”  Her hands moved down Elphaba’s back and then boldly over her ass, fingers slipping into the pocket of her shorts.  Elphaba groaned softly, face flushing hot as Galinda pulled back with Elphaba’s cell phone.  Elphaba took it slowly and sat it on the TV stand.

“No distractions,” Elphaba murmured, kissing her again before grabbing her hand and tugging her down the hall to her room.  Galinda yelped but followed quickly behind, letting Elphaba pull her into a bedroom at the end of the hall. 

She barely had time to admire the deep purple walls or the white accents of the window ledge.  Elphaba’s lips were on her neck, and she was walking her back toward the bed, hips colliding with each step until the world fell out from beneath her and she was falling onto her back against the softest, dark blue comforter.  Galinda bit her bottom lip and arched back as Elphaba’s lips and tongue teased against the length of her neck.

She turned her head, gazing over at the corner of the room, smiling a little when she saw stacks of notebooks piled on a desk, a computer screen illuminated with a familiar photo serving as the screen saver.  It was the drawing she’d made for Elphaba.  She bit her lip, fingers curling into the back of Elphaba’s shirt as she imagined her sitting there hour after hour, fingers hammering the keyboard as she told the tale of Nyemma and Elosia. 

“So,” Galinda panted, whimpering as Elphaba’s knee pressed between her thighs.  “This is where the magic happens?”  Elphaba snorted against her neck, shoulders shaking with a laugh. 

“Mmm.”

“Oh, Elphie,” Galinda sighed, tracing her fingers down the map of Elphaba’s spine.  Elphaba lifted her head, eyes dark with desire, mouth parted around deep breaths.  Galinda smiled, tracing her fingers over Elphaba’s bottom lip.  “Kiss me.”  And, of course, she did.

*~*~*~*~

“I can’t do this.  I can’t do this.”  Elosia’s auburn hair was perfectly styled, hair half up to keep it out of her face, loose ringlets trembling against her back with each nervous footstep.  The swish of her wedding gown against her bare feet seemed to echo off the bare walls of the corridor.  “Oh, I can’t do this.”  Her hands wrung together painfully, knuckles white.  She stopped and dug her toes into the firm carpet, trying to ground herself to keep from running.  Only, that was the only thing she wanted to do.

She tried to take a deep breath, but it came out quick and sharp and triggered a series of staggered, light breaths that made her sway dizzily in place. 

“El?  Elosia?”  The voice was stifled and echoed, masked beneath the rush of blood pounding in her ears.  It wasn’t until she felt soft, slender hands gently gripping her shoulders that her eyes shot open and she looked directly into the dark, worried eyes of her best friend.  Her heart nearly crumbled.  Her knees went weak, and she started to go down, but Nyemma was faster, moving one hand around her waist and putting her other against the wall to steady her.  “What the hell?  What happened?  Your mom just called me, hysterically crying.  All I could make out was the deposit was non-refundable.” 

“Thanks mom,” Elosia choked out, leaning back against the wall with Nyemma’s arm still half around her.  She turned her face up toward the ceiling and took a few slow breaths. 

“I can’t do it,” she panted.  “I can’t do it.  I can’t.”  She repeated it like a mantra, her head shaking softly as she closed her eyes and waited for her heart to slow down.

“Tell me,” Nyemma urged.  Elosia felt her jaw begin tremble.  Her eyes stung, and she let out a shaking breath.

“Nemma,” she murmured.  “I can’t.”

“You can.  You can tell me anything.”

“I can’t marry him.”  The moment the words slipped out, her shoulders slumped, and she slid down the wall, billowy dress puffing up around her like a comforting cloud.  Nyemma stared at her a moment, watching her face disappear behind perfectly manicured hands.

Then she was on her knees, fingers curling around trembling wrists, pulling back the mask of hands to see the truth in Elosia’s eyes. 

“El.  Look at me.”  Elosia’s gaze fell away, but with each second that passed, she felt the pull to look directly into those dark eyes she could never resist getting lost in.  It had been her secret for so long, a whisper that called her a traitor every time she held her best friend’s hand but yearned for more. 

“I can’t,” Elosia choked out.

“You can.  Look at me.”  Nyemma’s hands were firm but gentle, her voice soft and comforting.  Elosia closed her eyes a moment, heart still thundering wildly in her ches.t 

“I can’t marry him,” she repeated.

“Why?”

“Don’t make me say it, Nemma,” she choked out.  Nyemma swallowed.  Hard.  Her own breath trembled, and her eyes went glassy for a moment.  She flinched and shook her head.

“I think you have to.  It’s time, El.”

“I can’t.  I can’t.  I can’t marry him, Nemma.  I can’t marry him, because he doesn’t look at me the way you look at me.  He’s a good man, but he doesn’t know me.  Not really.  He doesn’t know me enough to know that when I’m five minutes late, it’s because I’m pacing in front of my bathroom mirror because the idea of walking down the aisle to him and to being married to him for the next fifty years feels like losing the only part of myself that feels real anymore.  So I called him. I told him I love him but I’m not in love with him.  I can’t hurt him, but I can’t hurt me.  If I marry him, it’ll kill me.  Slowly.  Over time.  Because the only time I’m happy is when I’m with you.  I’m in love with my best friend.  I’m in love with you.  And I just—“  Nyemma’s lips were on hers in an instant.  Soft and sweet but determined.  Her fingers gently cradled Elosia’s jaw, feeling her tense and gasp until she relaxed and brought one arm up around Nyemma’s neck. 

When Nyemma pulled back, she leaned her forehead against Elosia’s. 

“Is that all?  Why didn’t you say something?” Nyemma teased after a few moments.  Elosia’s soft gasps splintered into laughter, and she pushed Nyemma’s shoulders.

“I hate you,” she choked out, wiping at her eyes, ruined makeup coming off against her fingers. 

“No you don’t,” Nyemma smiled.  “You love me.” 

“I do.”

“And I love you.”

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Elphaba lay on her side tangled in sheets and sweaty limbs.  Her breaths had slowed and evened.  Her heart had finally returned to a normal patter.   One warm, pale arm curled loosely around her waist, hand splayed out low under her naval.  The other arm came up over her shoulder and across her chest, holding her close.  Lips grazed against the back of her neck and shoulders as a warm foot dragged up her calf.  One hand gently fondled her breast, fingers lazily circling a nipple.  The hand pressed against her stomach slipped lower until it rested between her soaked thighs.  She groaned softly, bucking her hips against the gentle pressure of the heel of Galinda’s hand. 

“Elphie,” Galinda whispered, nuzzling the side of Elphaba’s neck before gently biting the shell of her ear.  Elphaba trembled, lips parting as her head fell back against Galinda’s shoulder.  Galinda’s lips pressed against the side of her neck, tongue slipping out to taste the salt of her skin, teeth grazing over her pulse as her fingers slipped between Elphaba’s legs, teasing over her clit briefly before slipping inside. 

“Fuck,” Elphaba hissed, sucking in a sharp breath and reaching to curl her trembling fingers around Galinda’s wrist, keeping her just where she needed her.  She rocked against her hand, gasping softly as Galinda pushed deeper, curling her fingers in a way that had Elphaba arching back against her.

“You’re so wet,” Galinda teased, nipping at her earlobe.  Elphaba bit out a strangled cry as Galinda’s thumb brushed over her clit.  Her hips jerked, and she turned her head just in time for Galinda to claim her mouth in a hungry kiss.  “All of this for me.”

Elphaba’s brain was screening, searching for some sort of clever comeback or quip, but her blood was scorching through her veins at an alarming speed, and all words dissolved before they got to the tip of her tongue.

“Have you got another one in you?”  Galinda’s fingers tweaked her nipple again before moving over to toy with the other.  Tense heat coiled low, and Elphaba’s breath caught.  Galinda sucked at her neck again.  Elphaba clenched around her hand, and Galinda’s mouth curved in a grin against her neck.  “You really know how to boost a girl’s confidence.  You’re trembling, Elphie.”  She kissed her shoulder.  “All.  Because.  Of.  Me.”  She punctuated each word with another kiss until her lips were against the hollow of her throat. 

“You’re incorrigible,” Elphaba panted, a sigh breaking into a moan as Galinda pushed deeper and teased her clit at the same time. 

“That’s a big word, Elphie,” Galinda whispered, breath ghosting across her skin.  “You’re so smart.”  Elphaba shivered and arched her neck when Galinda’s teeth gently sank into the side of it.  “So pretty and smart.  And you taste so good.”  She slipped her fingers out, the obscene squelch loud between them.  She lifted her hand and sucked both fingers into her mouth, moaning as Elphaba rolled onto her back with a little whimper, reaching for the blonde.  Galinda smiled down at her, biting her lip and pressing her palms into the pillow on either side of Elphaba’s head.

“You’re awfully sure of yourself.”  She’d meant it to sound teasing, but it came out hoarse and needy. 

“What can I say?  You bring it out in me,” Galinda grinned, straddling Elphaba’s thighs with her knees.  Elphaba’s nails dug into her hip, gaze trailing down from her dark brown eyes to her perfectly pebbled nipples and then down to the apex of her damp thighs.  Elphaba’s tongue darted out to wet her lips, and she groaned softly when Galinda leaned down to kiss her again.

“Oz, Galinda,” Elphaba murmured against her mouth.  “You’re incredible.”

“Hmmm,” Galinda chuckled, breaking the kiss only to press another kiss to the center of Elphaba’s chest.  She was on the move, lips and tongue trailing over sweat slick skin until Elphaba’s thighs were clenching and she had to ease them apart with her soft, warm hands.

Elphaba reached for her, hands smoothing down soft blonde hair and trembling shoulders.  She craned her neck to get a better look at her.  Brown eyes looked right up into hers as a warm, wet tongue swirled around her belly button.  Elphaba swallowed hard. 

Pink bloomed across Galinda’s face, hands shaking as she settled between Elphaba’s legs.  Elphaba’s eyes fluttered closed and her head rolled back the second she felt Galinda’s tongue exactly where she needed her. 

Her hips jolted against Galinda’s chin.  The breath left her lungs, and she twisted the sheets between her fingers to keep herself from flying off the bed. 

Galinda was everywhere.  Hands pressing her thighs open, squeezing, slipping down around her knees and back up to her waist.  Lips and tongue teasing and licking and sucking, tentatively at first as she began memorizing and categorizing Elphaba’s whimpers and cries with each touch and each shift in pressure. 

Elphaba’s pulse was rushing, and the room felt as if it were simultaneously spinning faster by the moment and falling out from under her. 

Galinda touched her again, two fingers slipping through wet heat and pushing inside as she latched on to her clit and sucked firmly.  Elphaba’s hips bucked against her face again, and Elphaba arched back until Galinda’s nails dug into her hips to keep her from twisting off the mattress.

“Galinda I’m so—oh, fuck—so cl—” Galinda chuckled softly against her, the vibration shooting straight to Elphaba’s core.  Her eyes screwed shut tightly, body going rigid for a moment before the orgasm hit sharp like a tidal wave, pulling her under until she was gasping and reaching for Galinda as her body thrummed and surged and grew too sensitive that she needed a moment.

Galinda crawled up, licking her lips, chin dripping with Elphaba’s release.  She smiled smugly, and Elphaba blinked up at her, lips parted as she struggled for breath.  And then Galinda was kissing her, tasting her, letting her taste herself. 

“Sweet Oz,” Elphaba managed to choke out between kisses.  “How in Oz did you…”  Her hands buried in Galinda’s hair, pulling her closer, chasing her kisses until the blonde was giggling against her mouth.  “You’re amazing.”

“Why thank you, Elphie,” she whispered, tugging Elphaba’s bottom lip between her teeth.  Elphaba took the opportunity to grab onto Galinda’s waist and flip her over onto her back.  The blonde gasped, but Elphaba was on her in a moment, kissing her breathless.  Galinda’s arms encircled her neck, and Elphaba pressed her knee between soft thighs. 

“I never knew it could be like this,” Galinda whispered against her mouth.  “I can’t get enough of you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Elphaba murmured, nipping at her jaw.  “You’ve got me.”

“Mmm,” Galinda hummed, sighing as Elphaba slipped down her body, teasing her way, taking her time with one breast and then the other, hand slipping between Galinda’s legs as she sucked and nipped.  And when she finally crawled down between Galinda’s legs and leaned in to taste her, she let out a groan that made the blonde’s knees shake.  “Baby, I nee—”

Elphaba’s tongue was on her in a second, teasing her clit before sucking it gently between her lips.  The shrill whine that escaped Galinda’s lips made the older woman smile.  She pulled back to press an open mouthed kiss to the inside of Galinda’s thigh, sucking firmly as if to say mine.

It didn’t take the blonde long to come.  Her every nerve was alight and receptive to every sound and touch Elphaba had to offer, and when her body jolted against Elphaba’s mouth, her partner held her, lapping up every bit of her, loving her through it. 

Elphaba came up to collapse next to Galinda on the bed.  The blonde covered her face with her hands, body trembling from the rush.  Elphaba kissed her shoulder and caressed her neck until the blonde lowered her hands and turned to face her.

“I don’t know how we’re supposed to just…stop,” Galinda admitted, turning fully to face Elphaba, draping one leg over a muscular green thigh.  “I can’t get enough of you.  I’ve never felt like this before.”  Elphaba’s hand came up to her cheek, and she leaned in to press their foreheads together.

“Me neither,” she whispered. Galinda swallowed her breath with a kiss, and Elphaba pulled her closer.  “Stay with me tonight?”  Galinda nodded and hummed a reply against her lips, and Elphaba’s lips curved against hers, a little laugh slipping out. Finally, Elphaba pulled back, smoothing back Galinda’s messy blonde hair. 

“Come on,” she whispered, dragging the blonde’s bottom lip between her teeth and letting it go with a pop.  Galinda smiled, her dimple on full display.

“Where are we going?”  She wiggled her eyebrows which made Elphaba feel giddy.

“We need another shower,” she insisted.  “And then we’re going out for a walk.  We’ll get some fresh air.  And then?  Then we’re coming back here, and I’m going to make dinner for you.”

“Dinner?  We haven’t even had lunch yet, Elphie.”

“We missed lunch,” Elphaba pointed out, nodding toward the clock on the bedside table.  Galinda gasped and lifted her head to look.

“You’re right.”  She bit her bottom lip.  “What’s after dinner?  Dessert?”

“After dinner, I’m going to work on my book.  You’re going to work on your art.  We’re going to be responsible adults.”

“On a Saturday night?” Galinda pouted.  “That’s no fun.”

“One hour.  We take an hour.  And after that…”

“After that?” Galinda asked, a spark of excitement in her eyes that Elphaba couldn’t resist.  She smiled and pulled her in closer, pressing her lips softly against hers.

“After that, well, you’re my guest, so you get to decide.”  Galinda giggled and sat up, sheet pooling in her lap while Elphaba’s gaze wandered over her form appreciatively.

“Anything I want?” Galinda asked, a tempting gleam in her eye.  Elphaba’s face went hot, but she managed to drag her head up and down in a nod.  “Oh, Elphie, you are quite the accommodating host.”  She winked and scrambled over her to get out of the bed.  “And as your guest, I want you to help me wash my back.”

“You’re impossible,” Elphaba muttered, shaking her head as she got out of bed and started after the blonde.

“And yet, you’re following me.”  Elphaba paused, a little smile tugging at her lips.  And then she followed Galinda into the bathroom.

*~*~*~*~*

Oh my OZ.

Well?

Oh my OZ.  You actually did it.  They kissed!  I’m fucking LIVING, Elphaba. 

Mina, that’s not very professional.

Good thing I’m not a professional.  Yet.  HOLY SHIT.

I’m glad you approve. 

Approve?  I want the first copy.  This shit’s going to fly off the shelves.

Shit again.  You have quite a way with words. 

Shut up, Elphaba.  You know what I mean.  Sweet Lurline!  I could throw you a parade.  You were on the fence about putting them together.  What changed?

My mind.  I made a choice.

It took you two months to name your characters.  Something happened.

You don’t know me.

Elphaba jumped when Galinda squealed with delight in the other room.  She smirked and looked back to her phone.

Mina, I have to go.  Send me over any edits tomorrow, ok?

Oh, I’ll be reading this six more times before I touch a thing.  Seriously, Elphaba.  This is great.

Thanks. 

Another loud shriek from the bedroom had Elphaba scrambling from the kitchen to find Galinda lying on her stomach on the bed, face buried in a pillow with Elphaba’s document open.  She was kicking her feet, and Elphaba couldn’t help but lean against the door frame and admire the view.

“Is that a happy shriek or…”

“Oh Elphie, I could kiss you.”  Galinda was up on her feet in and instant and launching herself at her girlfriend.  Elphaba yelped and caught her, holding her tight as Galinda pressed kisses to her cheeks and neck.  “Baby, you did it.  They kissed.  And they confessed their feelings!  This is huge, Elphie!  I can’t believe it!  You have no idea how happy this makes me!” 

“I’m glad you approve,” Elphaba laughed, catching a kiss on the lips before Galinda took a step back and bounced on her heels excitedly. 

“So now comes the sex, right?”  Elphaba quirked a brow at her girlfriend’s question.  “For Nyemma and Elosia.  They’re gonna have sex right?  Right?  You can’t just end the book that way.”  Elphaba narrowed her eyes at her and cocked her head to the side.  “You’re not going to tell me?”

“Nope.”

“Ugh, that’s so not fair.”  Galinda crinkled her nose and looked back toward Elphaba’s laptop.  “You know what?  I don’t even care.  They kissed!  They love each other.  I’m happy.”

“Good,” Elphaba grinned, lacing her fingers with Galinda’s.  “I’m happy you’re happy.”  She brought her hand up and pressed a kiss to the back of it.  Galinda blushed and rubbed her thumb over Elphaba’s knuckles.  “Come on.  Dinner’s ready.”

“Oh, you spoil me, Elphie.  It smells amazing,” Galinda sighed, sniffing the air.  Elphaba lead her down the hall toward the kitchen. 

“I hope you like pasta.”

“Are you kidding?  I love pasta.”  Galinda squeezed Elphaba’s hand and kissed her cheek.  When they arrived in the kitchen, Galinda gasped softly to see a candle light dinner awaiting her.  Her gaze flickered to Elphaba’s, and she blushed deeply. “Elphie…this is so romantic.”  She chewed her lip between her teeth, and Elphaba led her to the table, pulling the chair out for her. 

“It’s no five star restaurant, but…”

“But I don’t get to take your clothes off after dinner at a five star restaurant, so I think I prefer this.”

“You’re impossible!” Elphaba gasped. 

“And you like it,” Galinda winked, reaching for her fork as Elphaba sat down across from her.  Elphaba paused, watching the blonde spear a spiral of marinara-covered cavatappi with her fork.  She watched, captivated, as she took her first bite, eyes fluttering closed as she savored the taste on her tongue.  “Sweet Oz, Elphie.  Is there anything you can’t do?” 

Elphaba smirked and took a bite of her own dish, unable to drag her eyes off of Galinda as she licked her lips before taking another bite.

“There might be a few things I haven’t attempted yet, but I’d certainly like to try,” she murmured, words coming out far more suggestively than she’d intended.  Galinda raised her head, one eyebrow quirking. 

“Oh,” she said with a shy little smile.  “Well, lucky me.”  It was Elphaba’s turn to blush now, and she did.  She turned her attention back to her dinner, unable to hide the smile that bloomed on her lips as Galinda’s foot bumped hers under the table. 

She was quite certain this was bliss, and she prayed to Lurline herself that she’d know this feeling for the rest of her life. 

It had happened so quickly. 

Just over a week ago, she’d been focused on her book and on school without time to think much about the future or what that might look like or who that future might include.

And now here she was sitting across from the most beautiful woman she’d ever set eyes upon, and she was lucky to call that woman her girlfriend.

Life had a funny way of turning upside down without warning, and for the first time in her life, Elphaba Thropp was thankful. Things were finally going her way.

Notes:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I hope you enjoyed!!!
I have a little more planned for this story, but if there's anything you'd like to see, please let me know!
Your comments mean so much to me! I try to reply to each of them. I appreciate you all so very much! Thanks again for reading!

Chapter 14

Notes:

Here's a fluffy/smutty little chapter for you. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 14

Galinda missed Elphaba.  Physically missed her.  The weekend she’d spent with Elphaba had gone by entirely too quickly.  Their Saturday night had been just as wonderful as their Friday night, and by the time Sunday morning rolled around, they were reluctant to say goodbye to one another. 

Elphaba had attempted a pancake breakfast, and while they were awkwardly large and misshapen, Galinda was certain they were the best tasting pancakes she’d ever eaten in her life, and she’d made sure to let her girl know that, because seeing the look of absolute delight in Elphaba’s eyes was something she would never tire of.

Elphaba had walked her up to her apartment to say goodbye, and they’d ended up making out in the hallway for five minutes before Galinda tugged Elphaba inside and moved things to the couch where they finished saying goodbye for another forty five minutes. 

And now it was Monday morning.  Galinda was in art history class, which seemed duller than usual.  The professor was droning on and on about a piece of pottery from over 12,000 years ago, and all Galinda could do was trace her fingertip along the side of her neck where her flesh was still tender from the little love bites she’d had to conceal with makeup that morning. 

Her phone screen lit up, and she leaned over to see a text from Elphaba.  Her heart skipped a beat.  She grabbed her phone and opened the message.

Good morning, beautiful.  Hope you slept well.

Galinda’s breath caught.  The swell of warmth and affection that filled her chest made her eyes well up.  She swallowed hard and tapped out a response.

I sleep better when I’m with you.

She added a sad emoji for emphasis and waited.  She didn’t have to wait long.

Me too.

I miss you, Elphie.

I miss you.  What are you doing right now?

I’m in art history.  You?

Technical writing.  I’d rather be napping. 

Hey!  Are you in Prowds Hall?

Yeah.  Why?

Me too!  Second floor lecture hall.

Fourth floor computer lab. 

Want to walk me to my next class?

She opened up her camera, took a discreet, pouty face selfie and hit send.

How can I resist that face?  Meet you in the lobby in 15?

Can’t wait!

Galinda set her phone aside and tried to focus on the rest of the lecture.  A soft snore from the back of the room told her she was not alone in being bored out of her skull.  She loved art, but there were some subjects that needed a livelier personality to teach them, and this particular professor was borderline monotone.

The next twelve minutes dragged on entirely too slowly, and when class was over, Galinda was the first one up, having prematurely packed her bag up.

She took the stairs and waited by the elevators where she had a clear view of everyone coming and going.  She didn’t have to wait long. 

Elphaba came stepping off the elevator with her bag slung over one shoulder and her cell phone clutched in her free hand.  Galinda’s stomach flipped at the sight of her, braids loose and free behind her back.  She wore those Oz damned thigh high black boots again, only this time she wasn’t wearing stockings.  The tops of her boots gave way to smooth, green flesh, and Galinda could spot the underside of a fading love bite she fondly recalled placing there a couple of nights ago. 

Her black skirt came halfway down her thighs, and tucked into it was a crisp, white, long sleeve shirt that under just the right lighting, Galinda was certain she could see the faint hint of green skin peeking through. 

Galinda’s thighs squeezed tight on instinct, and she felt heat bloom across her cheeks. 

The second Elphaba spotted Galinda, her face lit up, and Galinda felt her heart skip a beat.

“Hey,” she smiled, tucking her phone into her back pocket before reaching out to take Galinda’s hand. 

“Hi,” Galinda whispered softly, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her cheek.  “How was class?”

“Dull,” Elphaba admitted.  “Yours?”

“Honestly?  A skip.  I should have slept in,” Galinda sighed.  Elphaba smirked. They stepped out into the bright morning, and Galinda rubbed her thumb over Elphaba’s knuckles as they walked.  “I’m just across the quad in Deckens.  Where are you off to?”

“I have Lit class in Briscoe.”  They walked quietly for a few minutes, joined hands swinging between them.  Galinda glanced at Elphaba, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

“I missed you.”

“Me too,” Elphaba murmured, squeezing her girlfriend’s hand.  Galinda glanced around at their surroundings.  There were far too many other students around, but the desire to press her beautiful girlfriend up against the nearest tree and kiss her breathless was at the forefront of her mind.  She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, eyes darting about as her fingers flexed and squeezed, tangled with Elphaba’s.  “You ok?”

“Mmm.”

“Why do you look like you’re about to crawl out of your skin?” she asked, a little smirk popping up on her lips.  Galinda huffed out a frustrated sigh and picked up the pace, practically dragging Elphaba down the sidewalk.  Elphaba yelped and hurried to catch up with her, and as they turned a corner at Deckens Hall, Galinda tugged Elphaba into a corner behind a bush and pressed her against the stone wall, kissing her hungrily.  Elphaba froze for only a moment before melting into Galinda’s kiss, shivering as fingertips dug into her hips and teased at the waist of her skirt.  A frustrated growl tore from the blonde’s lips when she couldn’t get her hands on Elphaba’s skin.

Elphaba’s hands curled at the blonde’s waist, pulling her closer, smiling against her lips.  She chuckled softly when Galinda pulled back, eyes wild and needy, lips softly pouted. 

“I’m sorry, Elphie,” she panted.  “I just couldn’t stand not kissing you for another second.”  She bit her lip for a moment, and Elphaba’s fingers flexed at her hips.  Nothing but soft, quick breaths lingered between them for a clock tick, and then Elphaba was kissing her, and a soft squeak of surprise left the blonde’s lips.  She giggled softly, arms wrapping around Elphaba’s shoulders.  She clung to her, aching for more, a flutter of warmth flickering through her veins as Elphaba’s tongue dipped into her mouth.  “Elphie,” she gasped against her lips.  “I need you.”  She moaned as Elphaba’s hand moved down her back and over her ass, squeezing gently and pulling her closer. 

“You smell so good,” Elphaba murmured, breaking the kiss, dragging her nose along the line of Galinda’s jaw, pressing soft kisses along the way.  Galinda’s head fell back, and the next thing she knew, Elphaba was spinning her around, pressing her against the wall, one knee slotting between her thighs.  Galinda gasped, nails digging into Elphaba’ shoulders.

“Baby,” she panted.  Elphaba’s bag slipped from her shoulder, and she let it fall to the ground, pulling her arm around Galinda’s waist and tangling her fingers in soft, blonde hair.  “Elphie…ohhh.” 

A breeze picked up, rustling the leaves of the bushes around them.  They were completely secluded.  Not a soul in all of Oz could see them.  It would be so easy to just…

Shuffling footsteps neared, loud conversation about a dull lecture in some Ozian Government trampling all over the moment.  Elphaba pulled back, a dazed look in her eyes as she blinked slowly at Galinda.  Galinda dragged her eyes open, breaths still coming out in quick little gasps, fingers tugging in the waist of Elphaba’s skirt. 

“Probably not the best idea,” Elphaba murmured, kissing her again, playing with fire.

“No, probably not,” Galinda pouted.  Elphaba took another step back, reaching out to smooth out Galinda’s hair.  Galinda couldn’t help but giggle at how flustered her girlfriend looked, and it made her heart beat a little faster knowing Elphaba wanted her just as badly as she wanted her.  Her thighs squeezed together again trying to soothe the ache between her legs. 

“You should get to class.  I-I should get to—” Elphaba swallowed the words thickly and brushed her braids back over her shoulders.  “We should…”

“Yeah,” Galinda agreed, gaze dragging from Elphaba’s lips to her eyes.  “Elphie?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m gonna call you tonight, ok?” 

“Ok,” Elphaba murmured, sighing softly as Galinda leaned in and kissed her one more time.  Galinda’s hands ran down Elphaba’s arms, soft fingertips slipping over the crisp white fabric of her shirt.  She wondered if Elphaba had any idea how sexy she looked without even trying.  She was gorgeous, and Galinda was simply amazed at how Oz-damned lucky she’d gotten to find her.

Galinda pressed another soft kiss to Elphaba’s lips before pulling away and straightening the front of her shirt.  She grabbed her tube of lip gloss and applied a fresh coat before flashing a wink in her girlfriend’s direction and stepping out from behind the bushes to make her way to class, leaving Elphaba to compose herself and remember how to breathe before starting off to her own class.

*~*~*~*

After dinner, Elphaba had finished up what little homework she had before chatting with Mina a little about the book and editing a few things. She’d taken a long, hot shower, shaved her legs and brushed her teeth before slipping on a grey tank top and a pair of grey boy shorts that made her feel secretly sexy.  She’d never admit aloud that she liked the way they clung to her ass.  They made her feel comfortable and confident, and she liked the way Galinda looked at her when she wore them.

When she finally flopped down on her bed with her phone in her hand, she turned out her bedside lamp and started scrolling through her phone, passing the time until Galinda called.

And just as her eyelids were feeling heavy and starting to droop, her phone buzzed in her hand, and a video chat request popped up.  She swallowed hard and answered the call.  In a moment, Galinda’s face lit up her screen, all soft and warm and pretty with her blonde hair splayed out behind her head on a silky pink pillow. 

“Hi, baby,” Galinda beamed before biting her lower lip.  Elphaba felt her heart swell in her chest.  “You look so sleepy.”

“You look beautiful,” Elphaba smiled.  “How was your day?”

“Long.  I missed you,” Galinda pouted.  “Our weekend spoiled me.”  Elphaba grinned. 

“I missed you,” she murmured.  She couldn’t help but notice thin, pink straps on Galinda’s shoulders.  Her mind began to wander. 

“What’s that you’re wearing?” Elphaba asked softly.  Something flickered in Galinda’s eyes, and whatever it was excited Elphaba.  She turned onto her side, one hand clutching her phone, the other resting on her hip, fingers splaying out on the outside of her thigh. 

“Oh, do you want to see?”

“Yeah,” Elphaba murmured, glancing over at her bedroom door.  It was shut, and she knew Nessa respected her and would never come in without knocking.  She also knew her younger sister was sleeping and had been out cold for at least an hour.  “Show me.”  Galinda raised an eyebrow.  “Please.”

“Since you asked so nicely,” she sighed, raising her phone up so Elphaba could see the pink slip of a nightie that clung to her body and barely covered the apex of her thighs.  Through the phone screen, Elphaba could see Galinda’s nipples straining at the fabric, and when Galinda’s hand dragged up her hip, bunching fabric between her fingers, she realized her girlfriend wasn’t wearing panties. 

“Fuck,” she breathed out, turning to lay on her back.  “You look good.”

“Thank you, Elphie,” she smiled sweetly.  She bit her bottom lip. “It’s so dark there.  I can barely see you.”  Elphaba rolled over and promptly switched on her bedside table again, squinting into the brightness for a moment until her eyes adjusted.  Galinda let out a strangled sound that made Elphaba smirk.

“Oz, Elphie.  You sure know how to wear a tank top.”  Elphaba’s face grew warm.  “Your arms.  Fuck.”  Elphaba chuckled softly.  “Arms, huh?  They do it for you?”

“Everything about you does it for me,” Galinda practically purred.  “I can’t stop thinking about you in that shirt today.  You looked so good.  I just wanted to ruin you—and that Oz damned shirt—right against the building.”  Elphaba shifted in the bed, thighs squeezing together as her heart began to beat a little faster.  “I don’t know what’s the matter with me.  I wish you were here.”

“Me too,” Elphaba murmured, hand slipping up, fingertips grazing over the taut flesh of her stomach.

“I swear I’ve never felt like this about anybody.  It’s like I want to touch you all the time.  Like I can’t get close enough.”  Galinda’s hand moved down her neck, fingers slipping down her chest and out of camera range.  “I think I finally got a taste of what good is, and I just keep chasing that high.”

Elphaba turned to lay on her back down, hand low on her belly as she watched her girlfriend through the screen of her phone.

“I know what you mean,” Elphaba murmured.  “I didn’t know it could be like…this.”  She watched a hint of a smile bloom on Galinda’s lips, tugging just enough to pronounce her sweet little dimple. 

“I wish you were here.”

Elphaba’s hands trembled, and she took a deep breath to try to steady herself.  She knew where this conversation was headed.  She was a romance writer.  Of course she knew where it was headed.

“Yeah?”  Elphaba’s voice was low.  Suggestive.  Her face flushed hot, and she watched Galinda’s fingers trail up and down the center of her chest. 

“I wish you were right here in my bed, Elphie.  I wish you were touching me.  Kissing me.”

“Is that all?” Elphaba chuckled.  Galinda bit her lip and shook her head.  Her big, brown eyes blinked innocently at the camera. 

“Nope,” the blonde whispered.  Her hand dipped down low, and her eyelashes fluttered when she closed her eyes.  “Elphie, I need you.” 

Elphaba’s hand was moving low now, fingertips dipping into the waistband of her underwear.  She was already embarrassingly wet, and her hips twitched as her fingers slipped against her sensitive flesh.  At the same time, Galinda moaned softly, her hand moving up to fondle her breast through her silk nightie. 

“Galinda…”

“Can I confess something?” the blonde asked, eyes partially closed, lips pouted, hand moving up to caress her chest suggestively.  Elphaba opened her mouth.  No sound came out.  She swallowed.  Nodded. 

“I want you inside me.  I want your mouth on mine, your hips pressed against mine.  I want you to bury yourself in me.”  Elphaba shivered, pressing two fingers inside, desperately trying to keep her eyes open to see her girlfriend’s face.  “Have you ever tried it?”  Elphaba’s head was swimming.  She wasn’t even certain what words were.  Her thumb brushed across her clit, and she curled her fingers up inside of herself.  When she pulled out, a little hiss escaped her throat.  “I want you to fuck me, Elphie.  Oz, do you know how much it turns me on thinking about you wearing a strap?”  Those words on those lips had Elphaba nearly coming undone right then and there.

“Fuck,” she hissed out.  Galinda moaned again, hand dragging down her chest and disappearing out of view.  She arched off the mattress moments later, and Elphaba nearly dropped the phone.  “Galinda, I—”

“Have you ever tried it?” Galinda repeated.  Elphaba shook her head. An emphatic no.  “Do you want to?”

“Oz…yes,” Elphaba practically purred, fingers dipping in deeply before slipping out and stroking over her clit. A ragged breath chased a whimper from her lips. 

“Me too,” Galinda sighed.  “I want to fuck you, Elphie.  I want you to take every inch.  I want you squeezing yourself around me, screaming my name when you come.”

“Shi—”  Elphaba choked on the word, clit throbbing as she stroked over it again before thrusting two fingers back in.  She pushed deep, curling them just where she needed them.  Her hips jutted off the bed again, a fresh sheen of sweat dampening her skin. 

Galinda’s breaths grew ragged and shallow, and Elphaba couldn’t help the moan that tore from her throat when the blonde angled her phone just enough that Elphaba could see her hand working between her legs.  But she panned back up to her face again before Elphaba could get a clear look at anything. 

“Sweet Oz,” Elphaba bit out, fingers working faster, thighs squeezing around her own hand as Galinda closed her eyes and arched her back, moaning softly as her own hand worked between her legs.

Elphaba closed her eyes and listened to Galinda’s breathing. She was close.  She knew Galinda was close.  So close.  Her phone fell from her hand, but she could still hear Galinda’s soft gasps and whimpers, and she used her now free hand to run down her neck and chest and over the front of her tank top.  Through the fabric, she teased her sensitive breasts, squeezing and tugging at her nipples as her fingers worked faster between her legs as she imagined it was Galinda’s fingers and mouth bringing her over the edge instead.

It was enough.  It hit her fast and hard, and Galinda’s name fell from her lips like a prayer, and as her pulse crashed in her ears, she could just make out the strangled cries from the phone, shrill whimpers that only meant one thing.

She grabbed for her phone, hand trembling as her body thrummed through the aftershocks.  Galinda’s phone was down too, but it had fallen against a pillow, and she could just make out the arched image of Galinda, mouth wide as she stroked herself to orgasm. 

“So pretty for me,” Elphaba whispered hoarsely.  Galinda jolted at the voice and bit her lip, eyes squeezing shut tightly.  “I wish I was there.  You taste so good, my sweet.” 

“Fuck,” Galinda panted, hand moving faster until she tensed, a choked cry stopping at her lips before she collapsed on the mattress.  “Sweet, Oz, Elphie.”  She lay there, panting for breath for a few moments before a sleepy, satisfied smile swept across her face.  And then her shoulders shook with a giggle, and she turned to her side, grabbing her phone.  “You’re so pretty when you’re coming for me.”

“Elphaba Thropp, your mouth is the best thing that ever happened to me.  Even over the phone, it gets the job done.”  Elphaba’s face flushed hot again, and a little laugh bubbled in her chest.  She opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her.  “So pretty when you’re flustered.” 

“You’re ridiculous,” Elphaba teased.  With a little giggle, Galinda bit her lip, and Elphaba sighed happily.   Galinda stared at her warmly through the screen, a thoughtful look settling into her features.  Her lips parted to speak, but she stopped herself.  Elphaba found herself pulling her phone a little closer to her face.

“Will you stay with me this weekend?” Galinda asked softly, bottom lip worrying between her teeth.    

“Hmm,” Elphaba murmured with a sleepy little nod.  “I’ll bring a bag this time.”

“Why?  I like you wearing my clothes,” Galinda teased.  Elphaba smiled, gently tracing her finger along her phone screen, wishing she could reach out and feel Galinda’s skin under her fingertips.  “On second thought, a bag wouldn’t be a terrible idea.”  A sneaky smile spread over her face.  Elphaba quirked a brow.

“Why?  What do you have planned?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out, babe.”  Elphaba’s heart stuttered in her chest, and her smile widened. 

“Date five,” Elphaba agreed with a little nod as Galinda beamed at her on the phone screen.

“Date five,” Galinda said with a smile.  “It’ll be one to remember.”

Notes:

Soooo, any ideas on what date 5 might be now??? :)

Chapter 15

Notes:

A little sickfic chapter, because I love when they take care of each other. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 15

On Wednesday morning, Elphaba woke up feeling absolutely miserable.  Her chest and nose were both congested, and she felt warm.  Nessa was already out of the apartment before Elphaba even attempted to stumble out of her bedroom, and she’d only made it halfway across the room before she’d felt dizzy and retreated back to the safety of her bed. 

She grabbed her laptop off of her nightstand, emailed each of her professors to let them know she wouldn’t be in class that day and proceeded to bury her head under the covers.  She knew she should get up and get some meds in her system, but she felt too weak to even attempt that.  So, she went back to sleep and didn’t wake again until her phone vibrated right off of the nightstand and clattered to the floor.

She jerked awake and rolled over to peer down at her phone.  She had three text messages and two missed calls.  It started vibrating again with a new call.  She frowned and reached for the phone, blinking at the name that appeared on her screen.  She lay back against her pillows and answered.

“Hi,” she croaked.  She grimaced.  Her throat felt like she’d swallowed pine needles.

“Elphie?  Are you ok?”

“I don’t mean to alarm you, but I may be dying.”

“Baby, you sound terrible,” Galinda murmured into the phone.  “Did you take anything?”

“Hmm.”

“That’s not an answer.”  Elphaba groaned softly and winced as her head began to pound.  “Elphie?”

“I’ll be ok.  I just need to sleep.”  Galinda let out a huff of a breath on the other end of the call. 

“Are you alone?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“I’m coming over.”

“You don’t have to do that.  I’m probably contagious, and—”

“I really don’t care, Elphie.  I’m coming.  Can you unlock the door for me?”

“I think so,” Elphaba murmured, pulling herself out of bed.  Her head swam a little, and she started out of her bedroom.  She squinted into the light filtering through the open blinds in the living room, and she made her way to the front door.  She leaned her forehead against the cool surface of the door and unlocked the deadbolt.  “Done.”

“Do you have meds?”

“I don’t—probably not.  Whatever’s in the cabinet’s probably expired.”

“Just lay down.  I’ll be there as fast as I can, ok?”

“You don’t have—”

“Rest, Elphie!  Lay down.  Wait for me.  I’m coming.”  The line went dead, and Elphaba gripped the wall for a moment, steadying herself before moving to the couch and collapsing.  She groaned at the sunlight coming through the window and glaring directly in her face, but she didn’t have the energy to move.  Instead, she pulled a pillow over her eyes and took a deep breath, immediately coughing as the air hit her lungs.

The next thing she knew, a cool cloth was being applied to her forehead.  She jolted from her sleep and opened bleary eyes to blink up at a pair of deep, brown eyes peering at her over the top of a face mask.  She furrowed her brows and started to sit up, but Galinda gently pressed one hand to her shoulder to ease her back down.

“Don’t try to sit.  You’re burning up, Elphie.”  Galinda’s fingertips gently traced over Elphaba’s sweat slick jaw.  Elphaba blinked up at her, watching the concern creasing her brow. 

“How’d you get here so fast?”

“I talked to you an hour and a half ago,” Galinda admitted sheepishly.  “I stopped at the store on the way here.  Fiyero drove me.”

“What about class?” Elphaba murmured groggily. 

“You’re more important,” she pointed out. 

“You’ll get sick.”

“So I get sick.”  Galinda picked up a bag and dumped the contents out on the coffee table.  “I didn’t know what worked best for you, so I got a little of everything.  I’m pretty sure the cashier thinks I’m doing something incredibly illegal.”  Elphaba started to laugh, but the razorblade feeling in her throat stopped her.  She groaned softly and motioned toward a blue bottle on the table.  “This one?”  Elphaba nodded.  Galinda unsealed it, unscrewed the cap and poured the correct dosage before handing the little plastic cup to Elphaba.  She helped her sit long enough to swallow it down, and she reached up to hold the cold cloth to Elphaba’s forehead when she grimaced and coughed at the bitter taste. 

Elphaba lay back against the couch again, and Galinda got up long enough to retrieve a soft blanket from Elphaba’s bedroom.  She draped it over her girlfriend’s sleepy form and started grabbing up the medicine bottles to put them away.

Elphaba focused on breathing, gaze tracking Galinda as she moved about the room.  She was dressed in a pair of pink leggings and an oversized white sweatshirt that proclaimed SHIZ UNIVERSITY in big, pink, embroidered letters.  Her blonde hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail that swished against her shoulders as she moved about the room. 

“Have you eaten?” the blonde asked, grabbing another bag off of the coffee table.

“No,” Elphaba croaked out.  She rubbed her eyes and yawned. 

“I’ll make you some soup.  It’s mostly broth.  It’ll feel good on your throat.”  She started to the kitchen, and Elphaba sat up.  She groaned at the pulsing pain in her head and leaned over to put her head between her knees for a moment.  “Elphie?”  Galinda dropped the bag and rushed to her girlfriend’s side.  “You need to lay back.”

“I need a shower.  Something.  I feel disgusting.  The steam will help, I think.”  Elphaba rubbed at her temples, and Galinda pulled one arm around her middle.  She coughed once and grimaced at the pain in her chest.  Galinda’s hand came up to press against her forehead.  Her hand felt cool and comforting, and Elphaba leaned into it a little. 

“Elphie, I think maybe you should see a doctor.  You’re burning up.”

“I’ll be ok,” Elphaba insisted.  “I’ll feel better once I’ve showered.”  Galinda sighed heavily.

“Alright, but if you think I’m letting you out of my sight, you’re wrong.”  Elphaba felt a chuckle bubble up in her chest, but it came out as more of a cough.

“You just want to see me wet and naked,” Elphaba muttered.  Galinda feigned shock as she helped Elphaba up off the couch.

“As tempting as that sounds, I’d prefer showering with you when you’re less phlegm-y.” Elphaba smirked, but that quickly turned into a grimace when her head began to swim again.  Her knees buckled, and she leaned heavily into Galinda to keep upright.  “Elphie!”

“I’m fine.  Just a little dizzy.” 

“You’re impossible.” Galinda led Elphaba into the bathroom and flipped on the light.  She adjusted the shower curtain and turned the water on.  “How hot do you like it?”

“As hot as I can stand.  The more steam the better.”

“You’re going to pass out,” Galinda noted, turning on the water to let it run into the tub long enough to heat up.

“Won’t,” Elphaba murmured, sitting down on the edge of the bath tub.

“And then I’ll have to call the Shiz Fire Department to help me get you out of the shower.  But, you know, it’s your call.”  Elphaba managed a little laugh.  “Lift your arms.”  She did so, and Elphaba pulled her shirt over her head.  Galinda helped her stand and shimmy out of her underwear, and in moments, Elphaba was sitting in the tub.  She motioned toward a drawer by the sink, and Galinda opened it, retrieving a black shower cap.  She handed it over, and Elphaba quickly slipped it on, tucking her braids up into it to keep them dry.  Galinda pulled the shower curtain halfway around the tub before switching the showerhead on.  In moments, hot water rained down on Elphaba.  She pulled her knees up, hugging them to her chest as steam filled the bathroom.

Galinda lowered the toilet lid and sat there, keeping an eye on her girlfriend as she sat motionlessly in the bottom of the tub.  Within minutes, the steam had Elphaba relaxing, coughing a little. 

After a few minutes, Elphaba began washing herself, letting the soap and water wash away the fever sweat.  When she fell into another coughing fit, Galinda moved to the floor by the tub and started rubbing soothing circles over her back until the coughing subsided. 

When Galinda finally cut the water off, Elphaba glanced up at her.  Her sweater was half soaked, her hair was damp, and her eyes crinkled at the corners just above the mask, telling Elphaba that despite everything, her girlfriend still had a smile for her. 

“Better?” Galinda asked softly.  Elphaba nodded groggily, and Galinda helped her stand before wrapping a towel around her.  Elphaba took a deep breath, one that came much easier now thanks to the hot steam.  It was a temporary relief, she knew, but she was grateful for it anyhow.

Elphaba stripped off her shower cap and towel, letting Galinda lead her naked down the hallway to her room.  Once there, the blonde led her to the bed, fetched a clean pair of underwear and a soft, white tank top. 

“Is this enough?  Do you want some shorts, or…”

“No, perfect,” Elphaba insisted, slipping on the items as Galinda adjusted her bedding and smoothed it out for comfort.  Moments later, Elphaba was slipping under the covers, and Galinda disappeared down the hall, only to come back with a little blue container in her hands.  She settled down on the side of the bed with it and unscrewed the cap.  She dipped two fingers in and scooped up some mentholated salve, bringing her hand to Elphaba’s chest.  Elphaba sighed contentedly and let Galinda rub the salve over her chest, working her fingers into soft, green skin all the way up to her neck.  Elphaba took a deep breath, the vapors already soothing her lungs. 

Galinda took her time, moving her hand with such determination and reverence. 

Elphaba couldn’t remember the last time anyone had taken care of her like this.  She’d always been a healthy child, but she remembered a few occasions when she’d been ill, and her mother had held her and nursed her back to health.  She’d felt safe and comfortable and loved.

Her gaze moved to Galinda’s face.  Her gaze was soft and caring, brow slightly tense with concern.  Elphaba felt her throat tighten and her eyes burn, and she quickly blinked away the tears welling there.  Galinda noticed but said nothing.  Instead, she cocked her head slightly and hummed softly.

“How’s that?” Galinda asked, fingers gently rubbing the side of Elphaba’s neck.  Elphaba’s hand came up, fingers curling around Galinda’s wrist. 

“Thank you,” she whispered softly.  Galinda leaned down, pressing a kiss to Elphaba’s forehead through the material of her mask. 

“Get some rest.  I’ll make your soup.  Can I get you anything?”

“Mmm, no,” Elphaba murmured.  “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Galinda beamed.  “I’ll be right back.”  Galinda left the room, and Elphaba rolled onto her side, closing her eyes and breathing in a little deeper.  Her nose was already starting to decongest, and the pain in her head was easing into a dull ache.

Despite the ache in her body and the chill that made her shiver despite the fever heat, she felt something else, warm and soothing coiling inside of her chest.  It was the same sweet warmth that made her eyes well up and her throat tighten.  She felt safe.  She felt cared for.  She felt loved.  And before she knew it, she was drifting off into a much needed sleep.

*~*~*~*

Galinda poked her head into Elphaba’s room.

“Elphie?”

Silence.  And then Elphaba let out a soft, raspy cough.

Galinda glanced at the time.  Elphaba wasn’t due for another dose for another hour, so she slipped back down the hall and into the living room so she wouldn’t disturb her.  She took off the face mask and tossed it onto the table before spraying some more disinfectant over the coffee table and wiping it dry. 

She’d tried to keep herself busy.  After Elphaba had drank down about half a bowl of broth, she’d gone right back to sleep and had been sleeping deeply for the last few hours.  And the last thing Galinda wanted to do was leave her, so she’d gone about the place, cleaning and disinfecting.  She’d even put away dishes that were in the drainer already that morning. 

She just wanted to feel useful.  Watching Elphaba cough and suffer with this terrible cold made her feel helpless.  She hated that she felt so sick, but she knew she was doing everything in her power to help her.

She moved into the kitchen, wiping down the counters again before washing her hands and returning to the living room.  She settled down on the couch with a little sigh and grabbed her backpack.  She fetched her phone first, checking for messages.  She found one from Fiyero.

You’ll forgive me if I don’t pick you up tonight.  I have a date tonight, and I’d rather not give her the Ozian plague.

Galinda rolled her eyes and tapped out a response.

I’d hate to put a damper on your sex life.  Don’t worry, I don’t plan on leaving her side tonight.

She quickly set an alarm to remind her to give Elphaba her next dose of meds.  She put her phone face down on the cushion beside her and rummaged in her bag again.  She pulled out her sketch pad and flipped open to a fresh page, pencil in hand.  She needed to fill the silence and the time with something to distract her, otherwise she’d spend the next hour worrying and puttering around the house and being completely unproductive.

She threw herself into a sketch which soon turned into an intricate portrait of her girlfriend.  She hadn’t meant to draw Elphaba, but she couldn’t stop thinking about her, and the more she thought about her, the more vividly she pictured her in her mind.  Those beautiful eyes.  Her playful little smirk that often bloomed into a gorgeous, gap-toothed smile that made Galinda’s heart do a little dance in her chest.

She was so caught up in her work that she almost didn’t register the front door unlocking.  She gasped softly when the door opened and a pretty young woman rolled over the threshold in a wheelchair.

“Oh, hey,” Nessa said slowly.  “I—I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”  She looked around for any sign of Elphaba.  Galinda’s mouth opened, but words failed to come out.  “Galinda?”

“You—you know who I am?”

“Of course,” Nessa said with a little chuckle.  “Your face is my sister’s wallpaper on her phone.”  Galinda blushed and couldn’t help the dimpled smile that lit up her face.  “Where is my sister?”

“She’s sleeping.  Um, she’s very sick.”

“What?  Oz, that’s why she slept in this morning?  I just assumed she was up late talking to you.  Is she…how is she?”

“Resting.  She’s due for more meds soon, but honestly, I think she’d be better off if she just went to the doctor.”

“Yeah,” Nessa snorted.  “Good luck with that.  My sister is…stubborn.”  Galinda smirked. 

“Yeah, I noticed,” she chuckled. 

“Elphaba rarely gets sick, but she’s so Oz-damned stubborn.  She came down with the flu last year, and she refused to be seen.  She ended up passing out in the kitchen, and Boq carried her down to the car and drove her to the hospital.”  She rolled her eyes.  “She was there for two days.”

“Stubborn girl,” Galinda sighed with a shake of her head.  Nessa nodded. 

“You know, my sister isn’t exactly an open book when it comes to her love life, but when she does talk about you, her whole face lights up.  It’s nice to finally meet the girl behind the smile.”  She moved her chair closer and reached out a hand toward Galinda. 

“It’s so nice to meet you, Nessa.” Galinda smiled, taking Nessa’s hand in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.  “Can I call you Nessa?  It’s Nessarose, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but please, call me Nessa,” the younger girl chuckled.  Galinda’s phone alarm went off, and she gasped softly, scrambling for it on the couch and turning it off. 

“Your sister’s meds,” she said softly.  “Do you want to go in, or…”

“Ah, I’ll just text her.  She can keep her germs to herself.  Besides, I’m sure she’d rather take her medicine from you.”  Nessa grinned, and Galinda laughed softly.  “Are you staying over?”

“Is that alright?”

“Of course,” Nessa said brightly.  “I can tell you all sorts of embarrassing things about my sister.  It’s kind of my duty, you know?”  Galinda laughed.  “There are blankets in the hall closet if you want to sleep on the couch.”

“Thank you.  I better go check on her.”  As if on cue, a loud cough came from down the hall.  Galinda grabbed a fresh mask from the pack and slipped the loops over her ears.  Nessa watched her walk away, smirking as she reached for her phone and tapped out a message to her sister.

It must be love.  You’ve been dating less than two weeks, and she’s already sitting vigil at your deathbed.

Thirty seconds later, Elphaba’s response came.

I hate you.

Plus, she’s risking catching whatever plague you’ve contracted just to be at your side.  She’s a keeper, Fabala.

And you’re a brat. 

I love you too.  Feel better!

Notes:

So Galinda and Nessa finally meet!!! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Chapter 16

Notes:

Here's a short, sweet little chapter. Date 5 is coming soon! Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 16

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Elphie,” Galinda sighed, curling her fingers into the neck of Elphaba’s shirt.  Elphaba’s hand slid under the blanket that covered them both as they lay on the couch.  Her hand rested low on Galinda’s back, fingers gently stroking circular patterns on the exposed skin between the bottom of her shirt and the top of her shorts. The TV was on, but neither of them were truly paying attention to the show that was on. 

“Hmm.  Sorry about date five,” Elphaba murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of Galinda’s head, fingers gently stroking through blonde hair.  Galinda chuckled softly and raised her head, gently tracing her fingertip over Elphaba’s bottom lip.

“Shh.  Date five is still happening.  Just not until next weekend.  That is, if you’re free.”

“Oh, I’m free,” Elphaba smirked.  “Even if I wasn’t, when it comes to you, I’m always free.”

“You’re sweet,” Galinda smiled.  That dimple appeared, and Elphaba couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss it.  “Oh, so she does remember how to kiss me.”  Elphaba huffed out a laugh.

“I didn’t want you to get sick.”

“And while I appreciate that, you’re no longer sick.  I want kisses.” She bit her bottom lip and waited, watching the smile creep across Elphaba’s face. 

Elphaba had started feeling better Friday afternoon.  It was Sunday now, and Galinda hadn’t left the apartment since she’d arrived.  Elphaba had tried to get her to go on to class and get some fresh air, but Galinda had refused, insisting that someone needed to be there.  She’d fawned over Elphaba as if she were far more ill than she actually was, but she’d stayed, and Elphaba couldn’t put into words how much that meant to her. 

And now, as the blonde stared down at her with a playful smile on her lips, she felt that familiar warmth coiling through her chest.  She arched up and pressed the softest kiss to the blonde’s pouted pink lips before she lay her head back with a sigh.  Galinda narrowed her eyes at her girlfriend.

“Oh, come now, Elphie.  You can do better than that.”

“Oh, I’m weak.  I think you’d better do all the work.”

“Oh, now you’re weak?  When I wanted to take you to the hospital, you were fine.  But for this, you suddenly don’t have the energy?  I’m hurt, Elphie.  Positive hur—mmpff!”  Elphaba’s fingers curled at the base of Galinda’s neck, tugging her down for a proper, satisfying kiss.  Galinda relaxed against her, a soft giggle bubbling out between brief gasps of breath. 

Elphaba sucked Galinda’s lip, teasing over it with her tongue before releasing it with a wet pop.  Galinda shivered against her, and Elphaba’s head fell back against the pillow.

“How was that?”

“Better,” Galinda teased, licking her lips.  She rested her head against Elphaba’s chest again before pressing her face against her neck.  She breathed her in and pressed a soft kiss against her collarbone.  Elphaba groaned softly and shifted on the couch, letting Galinda’s knee fall between her thighs.  One hand slipped lower to squeeze the back of Galinda’s thigh.  The blonde lifted her head and quirked an eyebrow.  “Elphie, we can’t.  Your sister’s in the other room.”

“I can be quiet if you can,” Elphaba teased, wiggling her brows to show she was only joking.  Galinda bit her lip to mute a giggle, and she shook her head.  Elphaba broke then, shoulders shaking with laughter as her hands moved down to rest upon Galinda’s waist.  With a little groan, the blonde started to disentangle herself from her girlfriend.  “Where are you going?”

“I haven’t been home in four days.  I know I need groceries.  Oh, and I have to swing by this cute little art supply store on campus and grab some more shading pencils.  I have three days of homework to catch up on.  I should get started.”  She batted her eyelashes innocently at Elphaba, and just as she’d expected, Elphaba curled her arms around her waist, holding her close.

“Want some company?” the older girl asked.  Galinda blushed and shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly.

“Are you feeling up to it?”

“If I don’t get out of this apartment soon, I’m going to start climbing the walls.  I can drive you.”

“If you don’t feel up to it, I…”

“I feel fine, Galinda,” Elphaba assured her.  “You were better than any doctor I could have asked for.” 

“You’re sweet,” Galinda grinned, kissing the tip of her nose.  Elphaba’s hand playfully squeezed her ass before giving it a little pat. 

“Fabala?”  Nessa’s voice carried from down the hall.  “I’m coming out there.  Please don’t be naked.”  Galinda buried her face against Elphaba’s neck, shoulders shaking with stifled giggles as Elphaba rolled her eyes and leaned her head back against the arm rest of the couch. 

“We’re watching TV.  Why would we be naked?” Elphaba asked with an exasperated sigh, craning her neck to see Nessa as she wheeled into the room.  Nessa’s cheeks were already flushed pink.  “Please tell me that you and Boq don’t…you know what?  Never mind.  I don’t want to know.”  Galinda lifted her head and offered a smile to Elphaba’s younger sister. 

“You’re hilarious,” she said dryly, smiling softly when she met Galinda’s gaze.  “Hi.”

“Nessa,” the blonde smiled.

“Going to Boq’s?” Elphaba asked, one hand leisurely trailing up and down Galinda’s back under the blanket.  It was perfectly innocent.  Galinda blushed anyway. 

“No, I’m heading to campus.  I have an emergency meeting on this group project that’s due tomorrow.”

“What’s the emergency?  Maybe I can help,” Elphaba offered.

“We haven’t started it yet,” Nessa pointed out, eyebrows raised.

“Oh.  Well, good luck,” Elphaba winced.  “Need a ride?”

“No, I need fresh air.  I’ve smelled nothing but disinfectant for the last four days.”  Nessa made a face and grabbed her purse off of the table by the couch.  “I can get there on my own.”  Elphaba’s brows tensed, and she started to sit up.  Galinda’s arms circled her neck to hold on. 

“Relax, Fabala.  I have a ride.  They’ll be here in like ten minutes.  I’m going downstairs to wait.”  The older girl relaxed a little and lay back against the couch.

“Suit yourself,” Elphaba shrugged.

“I’ll be home late, so I’ll just grab something to eat on campus.  I’ll see you guys later.”

“See you,” Galinda chirped, offering a little wave in Nessa’s direction.  “I know I’ve been here for the past four days, but I haven’t told you how nice it was  to meet you, Nessa.”  Nessa smiled warmly.

“It was really nice to meet you, Galinda.  It’s nice to have somebody around that puts my sister in a good mood.  She’s much more fun when you’re around.”

“I thought you were leaving,” Elphaba deadpanned.  Nessa smirked and headed to the door.  As Nessa rolled her chair out the door, Elphaba lifted her head.  “Be careful!”

“Have fun!” Nessa called over her shoulder, door shutting behind her.

“Ugh, your sister is so sweet,” Galinda sighed, trailing her fingers along Elphaba’s jaw.

“She’s a menace.”  Elphaba pinched the bridge of her nose, and Galinda grinned.

“I always wanted a sister,” she pouted. 

“You can borrow mine,” Elphaba shrugged.  “I’m sure she likes you better than me anyway.”

Galinda laughed softly and leaned in to press a soft kiss to her girlfriend’s lips.  She pulled back, and Elphaba sighed, leaning her head back and peering into those big, brown eyes.  Her thumb traced along Galinda’s jaw before pressing softly against the dimple on her cheek.  Elphaba was certain that Galinda could have asked her to do anything in that moment and she’d have readily agreed to it. 

“Now I spent quite a bit of time with your sister while you were under the sleepy influence of cold meds, dearest. I happen to know your sister adores you.  And I’m pretty sure the feeling’s mutual.”  Galinda winked at her, and Elphaba’s hands moved down her back and over her ass again.  Galinda moaned softly and tugged Elphaba’s lip between her teeth.  “Someone really is feeling better.”  She sighed and then groaned, burying her face against Elphaba’s neck for a clock tick.  When she lifted her face again, she was practically pouting.  “You have no idea how much it pains me to say this, but we really should get off this couch.  I have groceries and art supplies that aren’t going to buy themselves.”  Elphaba sighed heavily and moved her hands back up to rest upon her girlfriend’s back. 

“You’re probably right,” Elphaba sighed.  She gently tapped Galinda’s hip with her hand.  “Come on.  Let’s go get cleaned up, and I’ll drive you.  It’s the least I can do to say thank you for bringing me back from the brink of death.”

“I’m supposed to be the dramatic one,” Galinda said with a wink, biting her bottom lip.  Elphaba smirked and shifted as Galinda climbed off of her and draped the blanket over the back of the couch.  She stretched and reached for Elphaba’s hand, tugging her up off the couch. “If you insist, you may drive me, Miss Elphaba Thropp.”

“Oh, so formal.  Meanwhile, you’re about to do unspeakably improper things to me in the shower.”  Galinda’s hand flew to her chest in mock offense. 

“Excuse me?  What kind of girl do you take me for?”  Elphaba started to speak, but Galinda clamped her hand over her mouth. “Wait.  Maybe don’t answer that right now.”  Elphaba smirked behind Galinda’s hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.  “Besides, Elphie.  You’re not entirely wrong.”

Chapter 17

Notes:

Thank you all for your kind comments on the previous chapters. I appreciate each and every one of them! Thanks for reading!

Chapter 17

“Elphie, look!  This is it!”  Galinda gasped and grabbed a pack of professional colored pencils.  “This is the exact shade of green I need!”  She waved the package in Elphaba’s direction.

“So, regular green wouldn’t do?” she smirked, raising an eyebrow.  Galinda’s jaw dropped, and she shook her head.

“Oh, Elphie, no!  This is the exact shade of green I need to finish my latest drawing.  This is the shade I need to match the color of your eyes when the sun hits them just right.  I have the base color down, but this will provide the perfect highlight.”  She sighed happily and hugged the package to her chest.  “I can’t wait to finish it!”

“You…you’re drawing me again?”

“Of course, Elphie.  I like drawing pretty things, and you’re just about the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.”  Elphaba’s brows shot up, and Galinda’s eyes went wide.  “Oh, that sounded awful.  I’m sorry, Elphie.  You’re certainly not a thing.” 

“It’s alright, Galinda,” she chuckled.  “I’ll take the compliment.”  She wrapped one arm around her girlfriend’s waist and pulled her in close.  Galinda bit her bottom lip and leaned in for a chaste peck upon the lips.

 

“I do hope you’ll pose for me sometime.  Drawing you from memory is just fine, but memory is no comparison to the real thing.”

Elphaba’s fingers flexed at Galinda’s lower back.  She pulled her in closer, claiming her mouth in a kiss that was a little too intimate for their current location.  Galinda giggled softly, and Elphaba pulled back.  An older lady narrowed her eyes at them when she walked by.  Galinda’s thumb brushed over Elphaba’s lip, and the old lady muttered something under her breath that neither of them quite heard.  Elphaba snorted, and Galinda pulled her arms around her shoulders.

“Perhaps we should move on to pastels before we scandalize the entire colored pencil aisle.”

“Good idea,” Elphaba chuckled, tangling her fingers with Galinda’s when the blonde reached for her hand. 

“I do have another project in mind, you know.  As lovely a subject as you are, this one is a bit different.  You did play a part in inspiring it, thought.”

“Oh?” Elphaba asked, cocking her head with intrigue.

“Mmm.  I have this vision of Elosia and Nyemma in my head.  I need to get it down on paper.”

“You think about that?”

“Um, Oz to Elphie!  Of course I do!  Your book is only the best book I’ve ever read in my entire life.”

“You’re sweet,” Elphaba grinned.

“I’m honest.  I may be your biggest fan.  So when you’re a big, famous author with a fan club, I will be the president.”

“Please.  Fan club presidents don’t get first looks at unpublished books.”

“Girlfriends do,” Galinda chirped.

“Yes.  I’d rather you be my girlfriend than my fan.”

“Well, can’t I be both?” Galinda tutted, one hand moving to her hip.  She batted her eyelashes with a gleam in her eye.  “Miss Thropp, I just love your book.  Can I have your autograph?  Ooh, and if you don’t tell your girlfriend, maybe I can meet you someplace more intimate later.”  She dragged her gaze up and down Elphaba’s form with dramatic flair.  Elphaba’s brows scrunched.

“What?”

“Ugh, it’s roleplay, Elphie.”

“Oh.  You, um, like that?”

“I don’t know.  It might be fun to try.”  She leaned in closer and gently pushed Elphaba’s glasses up her nose a half inch.  “You could wear these glasses and nothing else.  And what would I be wearing?  Well, nothing but a smile for you, my favorite writer.”  Her gaze flickered to Elphaba’s lips when they parted in a soft gasp.

The same old lady passed by them again, eyes wide and jaw open in shock.  Elphaba tugged Galinda’s hand and moved them to a different aisle.

“You’re going to get us arrested for public indecency,” Elphaba laughed under her breath. 

“That’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make,” Galinda teased, batting her lashes again before leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to Elphaba’s lips.  “Come along, Elphie.  The paint aisle awaits.”

*~*~*~*

Candlelight flickered along the cream colored walls of the suite.  Shadows danced over the rumpled heap that was Elosia’s discarded wedding dress haphazardly tossed next to the fireplace.  The embers glowed low and warm, flames begging for breath but dying slowly in ashes. 

Elosia’s auburn hair was now a mess of curls tangled between Nyemma’s pale, nimble fingers.  Soft sighs filled the silence between sleepy, satisfied kisses.  A gentle laugh escaped Nyemma’s lips when Elosia’s breath ghosted over her ear. 

“You’re beautiful,” Nyemma murmured, staring up at the beautiful woman in her arms.

“You’re mine,” Eloisa answered, lips finding a sensitive spot on her lover’s collarbone.  Nyemma gasped and arched against Elosia’s mouth.  Elosia’s smile curved against sweat-slick skin.  She memorized every gasp, every moan, every delicious response that echoed from Nyemma’s lips like a prayer. 

The strangled squeal that left Galinda’s mouth made Fiyero nearly drop his coffee cup.  He looked up from his phone to see Galinda bouncing excitedly in her seat out on the balcony. 

“Good news?” he asked with an amused smirk before he took a sip of coffee.  Galinda nodded excitedly, eyes sparkling as the grin spread across her face.

“Elphie’s book.  It’s so good.”

“It’s finished?”

“Almost.  She’s working on the last part.  Oh, Fiyero, it’s so romantic.”  She leaned back in her chair, sighing as she looked out into the clear morning sky.  “And to think she was on the fence about who Elosia was going to choose.”  Fiyero’s smirk bloomed into a genuine smile.

“Gee, I wonder what ever could have happened to help her make up her mind?” he asked, brows wiggling as he took another sip of coffee.  Galinda blushed.  There was no erasing the dimpled smile.  “I do hope you’re mentioned in the dedications.”

“Oh, hush,” Galinda grinned, waving her hand in his direction.  “I don’t need the book dedicated to me.  I’m just honored she trusted me enough to share it with me.”

“Trusts you?  I think it’s far deeper than that at this point.”  Galinda ducked her head a little and sipped at her coffee.  “Galinda Upland, blushing over coffee because she’s so in love with her girlfriend.”

“Quiet, you!” she gasped.  “Don’t say that!”

“Well, it’s true, isn’t it?”

“Of course it’s true!  But I don’t need you saying those things out loud when I haven’t said them to her yet.”  She paused, eyes widening.  “Fiyero Tigelaar!  You’re terrible!”

“You’ll forgive me,” he chuckled.  “Tell me, when are you planning on revealing the obvious?”  Galinda tossed a crumpled napkin at him.  “Is this weekend the weekend?  The mysterious date number five?”

“That’s none of your business,” Galinda insisted, taking a bite of donut before washing it down with more coffee. 

“Well, you are borrowing my car.  I’m having second thoughts, you know.  I’ve never seen you behind the wheel.”

“I have a license.  I just don’t have a car.”  She folded her arms across her chest with a little pout.

“Your father offered to buy you one,” Fiyero laughed. 

“If I stayed in Frottica, and that was certainly not happening,” she huffed.  “And I haven’t truly needed a car until now.  I can’t very well let my Elphie drive us to our date when she hasn’t a clue where we’re going.”

“I’ll have you know that I’m cancelling three dates this weekend for you.  So at the very least, I expect you’ll come back from this date married with two point five children in tow.”

“You’re ridiculous!”

“And you’re practically married already.  So tell the girl you love her, move in, and I don’t know, have her add you to her car insurance.” 

“Thank you, Fiyero,” she sighed with a dramatic eyeroll.  “I appreciate you letting me use your car.  You’re a good friend.”

“And?”

“And, I’ll make sure your precious car doesn’t get a single scratch on it.”

“Her.”

“Ugh,” she groaned.  “Fine.  She will come back to you washed and waxed.  Oz, I’ll even throw in an oil change.”

“Acceptable,” Fiyero nodded. 

Galinda’s phone buzzed in her hand.  She gasped softly when she saw a text from Elphaba. 

Care for a ride?

She bounced in her seat, and Fiyero raised a brow.

Are you here?

I’m coming up.  My first class got cancelled so I had some time.

That’s the second best thing I’ve read all day!

So you liked what you read, huh?

A knock came to the door, and Galinda practically launched herself out of her seat, missing the amused look on Fiyero’s face as she rushed through the apartment in her oversized sweater and leggings.  The second the door was open, her arms were wrapped around Elphaba who stumbled backward in surprise. 

“Good morning,” Galinda grinned between excited kisses.  Elphaba’s arms tightened around her waist, and she laughed softly against her girlfriend’s lips.

“Good morning to you, too.” 

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Galinda sighed.  “Elphie, please tell me you wrote everything. Please tell me.”  She bit her lip and traced her fingertip down Elphaba’s jaw. 

“I might have thrown some spice in there just for you.”  Elphaba winked, and Galinda nearly melted into a puddle right then and there.  But then she remembered that she still had company, and she took a deep breath.

“See, I knew you wrote the spicy stuff.”

“It’s tastefully done,” Elphaba insisted with a laugh.

“Tasteful smut is still smut.  I’ll take what I can get.”  She kissed her again and grabbed her hand.  “Come.   I want you to meet someone.”

“You—you have company?”  Elphaba glanced over Galinda’s shoulder and into the apartment.

“Well, actually, you’ve already met.  This time he won’t be hitting on you.  Or—well…I can’t make any promises.”

“Ah, Fiyero,” Elphaba smirked. 

“Come on,” Galinda urged, tugging her hand and leading her into the apartment. 

Fiyero was just stepping in off the balcony with a cup of coffee in one hand, donut box in the other. 

“See, the moment the girlfriend arrives, the best friend is completely forgotten about.  I see where I stand,” Fiyero teased with a wink, extending the donut box out to the girls.  “Elphaba.”

“Fiyero.  How have you been since Lit class?” Elphaba asked, shaking her head politely at the box of donuts.  Fiyero shrugged and placed it down on the table behind Galinda’s couch.

“Only terribly wounded since your rejection, but I managed to find a way to go on.”  He clutched at his chest dramatically.  Elphaba glanced at Galinda with a quirked eyebrow.  Galinda beamed when Elphaba reached out and shook his hand.  “I hear you’re doing well for yourself.  Galinda tells me you’re publishing a book.”

“Ah, trying.  I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Elphaba offered with a little shrug.  “I’m still in the editing and re-write phase.”

“Well, I’ll be sure to pick up a copy when it hits the shelves.”

“If it hits the shelves,” Elphaba corrected.  “I still have to actually get a publishing house to pick it up.”

“Elphie’s being modest,” Galinda pointed out, wrapping one arm around her girlfriend’s waist.  “I know a good romance when I read it, and this is actually the best one I’ve ever read.”

“She’s a little biased,” Elphaba smirked. 

“Ah, but she’s honest,” Fiyero offered. 

“It’ll be a best seller,” Galinda nodded.  “You just wait.”  She beamed at Elphaba, and the shy smile that fell upon her girlfriend’s face warmed her heart.  She leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek.  Fiyero cleared his throat.

“Well, I take it you won’t be needing a ride to campus?” Fiyero asked. 

“Elphie’s taking me this morning, but thank you for the coffee and donuts. You’re a prince.”  She hurried over to hug him.  “Thank you.  For everything.  I mean it.” 

“Ah yes. I’m nothing if not a good friend who sacrifices his personal life for his best friend’s weekend getaway.”

“That’s what I keep you around for,” Galinda teased, giving him a squeeze before letting him go.  “Friday at 4:15.”

“I’ve set six alarms on my phone.  I’ll be there by 4:15 on the dot.  4:30 if there’s traffic.”

“Fiyero Tigelaar,” Galinda warned, arching a brow at him.  He winked at her and turned his attention back to Elphaba.

“Elphaba, it was very nice to see you again.”

“You too,” Elphaba offered with a little nod as Fiyero took his leave.  She turned back to Galinda with a quirked eyebrow.  “What was that?”

“What was what?” Galinda asked innocently.

“What he said about personal sacrifices.  Oh, and 4:15 on Friday?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out,” Galinda smiled, leaning in to kiss her girlfriend. 

“You’re not going to give me a hint about where we’re going?”

“Nope.”

“He’s…he’s not going with us, is he?”  Galinda turned to her and let out a little laugh. 

“Don’t be silly.”

“So Fiyero knows more about our fifth date than I do?”

“Only because I need his car.”  Elphaba’s brows furrowed. 

“I have a car.”

“And your car isn’t exactly equipped for what I have planned.  Fiyero’s car will handle much better.” 

“Are we going trekking down logging roads in the deep woods?”

“Absolutely not.”  She paused.  “Well, maybe.”  Elphaba scratched the back of her neck anxiously.  “Elphie, don’t you worry.  Date number five is going to be great.”

*~*~*~*~*

Galinda could hardly concentrate through her Friday classes.  She spent every spare second between classes getting her homework done so that she could focus on Elphaba for the next two and a half days. 

She’d been shopping three times that week alone getting ready for this special date, and her heart felt like it was going to burst with excitement. 

By the time her last class let out—mercifully without any assignments for the weekend—she practically sprinted down the sidewalk toward Fiyero’s car.  He’d reluctantly let her get behind the wheel so she could drop him off at his place.  In the ten minutes it had taken them to get there from campus, Fiyero had relaxed with relief that Galinda was actually a pretty good driver.  Safe.  She kept her hands on the wheel, her eyes on the road and her foot fully on the brake at stop signs. 

Still, he made sure to give her a fifteen minute lecture about road safety, heavily advised her to not park near other vehicles or under trees and gave one last melancholy look at his vehicle before Galinda pulled out from in front his building and turned off the street to begin her weekend adventure. 

Galinda made it home quickly and was proud of herself that she only packed enough that she could carry it all down in one trip.  Normally she had at least four bags packed, but she managed to get everything she needed in one suitcase and a small duffel bag. 

Once she had everything loaded into the back of Fiyero’s Jeep, she climbed back into the driver’s seat, buckled up and reached for her phone.  She tapped out a quick text to Elphaba.

Are you ready?

I’m sitting outside of my building.

I hope you haven’t been waiting long.  Fiyero lectured me before he’d let me leave his place.

Not long.  Boq came over.  Nessa practically threw me out the door while I was packing.  I think she was trying to tell me something.

Aw, that’s sweet.  We should do a double date.

That sounds terrible.  Nessa will love it.  Next weekend, maybe?

Galinda giggled and bit her lip. 

I can’t wait to have you to myself again for the whole weekend.  Did you pack your swimsuit?

What makes you think I have one?

Elphie!!!  It’s ok.  I packed two.  We’re practically the same size.  You can borrow mine.

It’s pink, isn’t it?

You might be surprised.  I’m on my way.  I’ll be there in five if I hit all the green lights.

We’re never making it where we’re going, are we? 

You hush!  I’m an excellent driver.  You’ll see!  I can’t wait to see you.

Me neither.  Be safe. 

Elphaba sent a heart emoji, and Galinda let out a little squeal in her seat.  She put her phone aside and pulled out onto the street and headed toward Elphaba’s. 

Sure enough, she spotted Elphaba sitting on a bench outside the building.  She was dressed casually in a grey t-shirt and a pair of jeans.  Her braids were loosely pulled back behind her, and she was smiling the second Galinda pulled up.  She stood and hoisted her duffel bag over her shoulder and started down the sidewalk to meet Galinda.

“Hi, baby,” Galinda cooed, hopping down out of the Jeep and wrapping her arms around Elphaba’s neck the moment she saw her.  “I missed you.”

“Missed you,” Elphaba murmured, wrapping her arms around Galinda’s waist and burying her face into the crook of her neck.  She inhaled deeply before pressing a warm kiss there.  Galinda giggled. 

“This is all you packed?” Galinda asked, pulling back and glancing at the bag.

“I’m an efficient packer.  There’s at least four days’ worth of clothes in here.  I didn’t know what to pack for, so if we’re doing anything fancy, they’ll have to settle for shorts and tank tops.”

“Well, you can just borrow one of my ballgowns,” Galinda shrugged.  Elphaba smirked.  The blonde rolled her eyes.  “I’m kidding.  I plan on having you all to myself this weekend.  I’m feeling selfish, and I don’t want to share you.” 

“I’m all yours,” Elphaba said with a shrug.  “Do I get a hint of where we’re going?”

“Absolutely not,” Galinda decided with a firm nod of her head.  “I’ll take that.”  Elphaba handed the duffel bag over to her, and Galinda flinched at the weight of it.  “You weren’t kidding, Elphie.”  She placed the bag into the back of the Jeep next to her own.  Elphaba peered in and raised her brows.  “What?”

“Nothing.  I just expected more luggage,” she admitted.

“Oh, you haven’t seen me on vacation yet.  We practically need a hotel room just for bags,” she teased with a wink.  “Are you ready?”

“For date five?  I’ve been ready.”  She reached out for Galinda’s hips and pulled her close.  “You sure you don’t want to give me a hint?”

“Mmm, nope.  But I’ll give you a little preview,” she whispered, leaning in to drag Elphaba’s bottom lip between her teeth before soothing over it with her tongue.  Her hands moved down Elphaba’s back and down over her ass, giving her a firm squeeze with both hands.  A small squeak tore from Elphaba’s throat, and Galinda giggled, pulling back from the kiss.  “How was that?”

“That was—that—” she stammered.  “How long did you say it was going to take to get there?”

“Few hours,” Galinda murmured innocently, stroking the back of Elphaba’s neck with her fingertips.  Elphaba shivered. 

“Galinda?”

“Yes, Elphie?”

“Let’s go.  Now.” 

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Are we excited for date 5? What does Miss Galinda have planned for her Elphie? And are three little words about to be uttered? Please let me know what you think!

Chapter 18

Notes:

Date 5, Day 1. I hope you enjoy! <3 Thank you all for the wonderful feedback on the previous chapters! I appreciate you all so very much!

Chapter 18

“You have arrived.”  Galinda slowed the Jeep to a stop in the sloped driveway of the cabin.  The automatic lights dimmed to dark, bathing them in almost complete darkness.  Elphaba looked around as she unbuckled her seatbelt.  The house was relatively secluded, separated by the closest neighbor by a few acres of thick woods.  The only light around was that of the moon just beginning to rise above the rustling trees. 

“We’re here,” Galinda announced with a tired smile, reaching for Elphaba’s hand. 

“It’s quiet,” Elphaba murmured. 

“Exactly.  Quiet and private.  Just what I need for what I plan to do with you.”  Galinda was certain she felt a shiver run through Elphaba as she squeezed her hand.  Elphaba’s head fell back against the headrest of her seat, and she turned her face toward Galinda.  Even in the darkness she could make out that dimple on her cheek.  She leaned in to kiss her softly.  It was slow and gentle.  A promise.  There was no hurry.  They had the whole weekend.  They could take their time and just lose themselves in one another, and just the idea of it had Galinda trembling with anticipation.

“Where are we?” Elphaba asked with a soft chuckle.

“Away, Elphie,” Galinda sighed, a little giggle bubbling from her lips.  “You’ll understand why I rented this particular cabin at sunrise.”

“We’re already here, and you’re still keeping me in suspense,” Elphaba chuckled.

“The sunrise will be worth it.  I promise, Elphie.  Trust me.”

“I do,” Elphaba murmured, kissing her again.  Elphaba’s fingers came to gently curl in her hair, pulling her close and kissing her deeply.  Galinda sighed softly, melting into the kiss and moaning softly when she felt one hand slip down to rest on her thigh.  She smiled into the kiss, shoulders shaking with a little laugh. 

“We should go in before we scandalize the bears,” Galinda teased.  Elphaba pulled back.

“Bears?  Where in Oz are we?”

“Patience, sweet Elphie,” Galinda cooed, kissing her chastely once more before pulling back and hopping down from the driver’s seat.

They made quick work of grabbing their bags from the back and taking the dozen steps up to the front porch.  Galinda immediately punched the security code she’d received in an email into the keypad on the door.  A soft beep welcomed them, and Galinda pushed the door open. 

Galinda reached for the light switch, illuminating the glossy wooden floor in the foyer.  They deposited their bags on a bench just inside the door, and when Elphaba closed the door, Galinda reached for her hand. 

“Come on, Elphie!  You have to see this place.  The pictures were incredible.  And the bedroom.  Oh, that’s my favorite part.”  She sighed happily and tugged Elphaba down the corridor into the living room.  A few fumbled brushes of her hand against the wall in search of a light switch resulted in success, and the room lit up in a warm glow. 

Elphaba looked around, taking in the cozy, modern cabin.  A sleek black couch in the center of the room was angled toward a fireplace against the far wall.  A small table with two chairs was placed in front of a large picture window.  Elphaba stepped up to it, making out only the faint outline of trees under the pale moonlight.

“You didn’t rent this just for the bedroom.  You rented it for this window,” Elphaba pointed out.  Galinda’s brows shot up, lips pursed in a curious smirk that highlighted her dimple.  Elphaba’s fingers laced with hers before she pulled her close, wrapping her arms around her from behind.  Galinda settled back against Elphaba’s chest.  She shivered and bit her lip when she felt Elphaba’s nose drag against the back of her neck.  She felt the damp warmth of a kiss against her neck, and she pulled one arm back to curl around Elphaba’s neck.  “This window faces west, doesn’t it?  Perfect view of the sunset.  Maybe the Lesser Kells in the background.  The sun painting the sky in soft orange and pink and purple behind the rugged mountaintops.”  She gently scraped her teeth along the side of Galinda’s neck.

“Elphie,” Galinda choked out, trembling.  “You’re so smart.”  She turned then, bringing both arms around Elphaba’s neck.  “And here I wanted to surprise you.”  Her lip stuck out in a little pout.  Elphaba smiled and leaned in to kiss her.  It was soft and gentle at first, both of them swaying a little in front of the picture window.  “How’d you figure it out?”

“You drove south and west,” Elphaba chuckled.  “Geography was one of my favorite subjects in high school.”  Galinda sighed heavily.

“Of course it was.”  Galinda leaned into her again, the kiss more insistent this time, one hand coming down to rest against Elphaba’s jaw.  Her tongue slipped against Elphaba’s lips, and she grinned against the kiss when Elphaba opened up for her.  “Say more smart things.” 

“Hmm?”

“I like it,” Galinda cooed, nipping at Elphaba’s lip before pulling back with a needy gleam in her eye.  Elphaba’s hands moved down to her waist, and then she was stepping forward, walking Galinda backward toward the couch.  The blonde yelped when she fell back against the sleek, black cushions, her blonde hair spilling out behind her head.  Her dark eyes stared up at Elphaba with equal parts need and delight, and when Elphaba crawled over her, one knee nestling between Galinda’s thighs, the blonde’s arms curled around her neck again and pulled her down for a hungry kiss. 

“You liked the window, because you’re an artist.  You want to observe and memorize.”  She dipped her tongue into Galinda’s mouth, moaning softly as Galinda’s hands dragged down her shoulders, nails gently raking down her arms.  “You like a good sunset,” Elphaba whispered, kissing her again.  Galinda beamed, cheeks flushing pink, trailing her fingertip over Elphaba’s jaw when she pulled back.

“You remembered,” the blonde murmured, one leg curling with Elphaba’s to pull her closer. 

“Hmm.”

“And you like the sunrise,” Galinda pointed out.  “It gives you hope that good things will happen.”

“You remembered,” Elphaba chuckled. 

“Of course,” Galinda whispered, arching her neck as Elphaba buried her face against it.  “Elphie…”

“Hmm?”  She sucked and nipped up the length of Galinda’s neck, and the blonde chuckled softly, nails gently scraping down the back of Elphaba’s shirt.  The blonde bit her lip and arched back as Elphaba’s hand slipped down low before trailing up under Galinda’s shirt and palming a breast through the fabric of her bra. 

“Mmmmm, Elphie, we haven’t even made it to the bedroom yet.  It’s the best part,” Galinda pouted.  Elphaba’s teeth dragged against that pouted lip before she sucked it into her mouth and soothed over it with her tongue. 

“Are you in a hurry, my sweet?” Elphaba asked with a smirk, pulling back to stare down into those dark brown eyes. 

“Maybe I have a surprise for you,” Galinda teased, arching an eyebrow.  “Maybe I want to take my time with you.”  Galinda’s hands slipped down to Elphaba’s waist and then up over her ass, giving her a little squeeze.

“A surprise, huh?” Elphaba asked, brow arching. 

“Mmm.  I do so enjoy a surprise,” Galinda sighed dreamily.  Elphaba chuckled, pressing a kiss to her nose before pulling herself off of Galinda and helping the blonde stand.  “Thank you, Elphie.”  She moved quickly then, rushing back into the foyer to grab her bags.  “You…want to unpack?”

“There are some extremely necessary items in these bags, Elphie,” Galinda insisted. 

“And you’re not going to tell me about any of them.”

“And ruin the surprise?”  Galinda shook her head and waved a finger at Elphaba.  “Patience, babe.”  She winked and turned to start up the stairs.  Elphaba stared after her, watching the way her ass swayed with each step.  She turned on the landing and disappeared out of sight.  Moments later, the chandelier light over the staircase lit up, and Elphaba grabbed her own bags, following behind.

Galinda was humming softly at the room at the end of the hall upstairs, and Elphaba smiled to herself, following the sweet sound until she stepped into the large master bedroom.  The king size bed in the middle of the far wall was made so crisply and cleanly that the room looked photoshoot ready.  There wasn’t a speck of dust on any surface in the room.  It smelled clean.  It looked cozy.  It was perfect.  And in the middle of the east wall was another big picture window that would surely give the perfect view of a gorgeous sunrise. 

A little bench at the end of the bed held Galinda’s bags, now open and rifled through.  Her shoes were tucked just underneath, and Elphaba moved to put her own bags down and take off her own shoes.

“Galinda?” she called. 

“I need you naked by the time I come out, Elphaba Thropp.”  Her voice, low and tinged with suggestion, was only partially muffled from the closed ensuite bathroom door.  Elphaba felt a shiver run down her spine.  

She was already embarrassingly wet.  Her thighs tensed when Galinda’s soft hums filled the air again.  She knew the humming meant one thing.  Galinda was putting the finishing touches on whatever surprise she had ready, and Elphaba had very little time to fulfill her girlfriend’s request.

She lifted her shirt over her head so quickly she felt her shoulder pop.  She rubbed the spot only a moment to ensure nothing was injured and then she stripped off the rest of her clothes, tossing everything into the empty basket by the bathroom door.  She pulled her braids out of the loose tie that held them back behind her and tossed them back freely before she moved to the bed.

The bedding was so clean and pretty that Elphaba felt almost guilty about the fact that it wouldn’t be that way for long.  But the moment she heard Galinda’s humming cease, that twinge of guilt faded, and she threw back the covers and practically leapt onto the mattress. 

Her heart was steadily hammering in her chest, and she shifted on the bed, half tempted to just rush into the bathroom and collect her girlfriend so she could properly ravish her.  But, she Galinda didn’t keep her waiting.  The door creaked open, a pale hand slipped out and flipped off the overhead light.  The bedside light bathed the room in just enough soft, yellow light to feel romantic.   

Elphaba turned onto her side and propped her chin in one hand while the other hand trailed down between her own breasts to rest low against her belly.  Her gaze was fixed on the doorway, and she found herself holding her breath when Galinda stepped out.

The sheer, pink shawl she wore over her shoulders left nothing to the imagination.  It was draped loosely over her, covering her breasts, but the hard pink pebbles of her nipples strained against the see-through fabric.

Elphaba licked her lips.

And then she looked down.

“What do you think, Elphie?” the blonde asked, leaning back against the wall, one hand traveling slowly down her stomach, brushing against the pink silicone toy strapped between her legs.  Elphaba’s fingers flexed against her own stomach and moved down lower.

“Oz, Galinda,” she panted.  The blonde smirked.  The heat behind her gaze made Elphaba’s heartbeat kick up a notch.  Galinda’s fingers curled around the toy, already slick with lube, and she gave it a few tentative strokes.

“Do you like it?” she asked, lower lip caught between her teeth.  Her lashes fluttered, her big doe eyes staring at Elphaba like she was the last drink of water on a desert island. 

Elphaba’s mouth opened.  Then shut.  A weak groan escaped her lips.  She nodded, speechless.  Galinda let the sheer fabric slip off of her shoulders and flutter to the ground.  Her hips swayed with each step toward the bed. 

Elphaba’s hand slipped between her own legs, fingers grazing against wet heat.  Her eyelids fluttered closed for a clock tick before she felt the weight of Galinda coming to kneel on the edge of the bed.  She leaned forward, one hand pressing into the pillow under Elphaba’s head.  The confidence in her eyes and in her posture sent a new bolt of desire straight to Elphaba’s pulsing core. 

“I’ve been thinking about this since that night on the phone,” she murmured, one finger trailing down Elphaba’s neck and sternum.  Elphaba swallowed hard, another weak moan escaping her lips as Galinda crawled over her, straddling her hips.  The pink dildo bobbed when Galinda let go of it, and it came down to rest against Elphaba’s belly. 

“Fuck,” she choked out.  “Galinda…”

“Have you been thinking about it, too?”  Elphaba nodded and licked her lips, green eyes widening as she watched Galinda’s hands slide up her thighs.  Galinda fell over Elphaba, capturing her mouth in a rough kiss.  Elphaba’s hand came up to tangle in soft, blonde locks, holding Galinda still as she opened up to the kiss.  “You taste so good, Elphie.”  Her teeth dragged over Elphaba’s bottom lip before her mouth moved down to press soft kisses between her breasts.  Galinda’s tongue rolled over one stiff peak, gently tugging one dark green nipple between her teeth.  Elphaba’s back arched, fingers tightening in Galinda’s hair.  A strangled sound escaped the back of her throat, and Galinda’s mouth curved around her breast.

Elphaba’s head fell back against the pillows, and as Galinda sucked and teased at Elphaba’s breast, her other hand came up to toy with the other, lightly rolling her nipple between her thumb and forefinger.  And then her  mouth was on the move again, trailing wet kisses down her stomach as Galinda settled between her legs.

“I’ve never craved anyone like I crave you,” she whispered, watching as Elphaba’s head pitched forward again, green eyes dazed and out of focus.  Elphaba let go of Galinda’s hair and curled both hands in the bedsheets as her thighs spread wide for her lover.  “Look at you, Elphie.  So wet for me.”  The whimper that tore from Elphaba’s throat sent a jolt right to Galinda’s core, and she nipped at the warm, damp flesh of Elphaba’s inner thigh.

The instant her tongue teased over Elphaba’s clit, the older woman’s thighs clenched.  Galinda chuckled softly, hands gently pressing on either thigh to keep her spread.  But Oz, Elphaba was strong.

“Galinda,” Elphaba planted. 

“Hmm?”  The hum shot straight through Elphaba’s core, and she trembled.  Her hips jerked when the blonde sucked her clit before teasing her tongue against her opening. 

“Fuck!”

“Mmm, I love it when you tell me what you like, Elphie.”  She pressed her tongue in deep, and Elphaba’s fingers gripped the bedsheets.  Elphaba’s muscles tensed around her tongue, and Galinda smiled.  Her gaze sought Elphaba’s as the older woman’s juices dribbled down her chin.  She watched Elphaba’s stomach muscles clench as the tension coiled deep down and her breath began to hitch.  She pulled back then, and a frustrated whimper left Elphaba’s lips. 

“Galinda,” she choked out hoarsely.  Galinda nipped at the sensitive skin where groin met hip, and Elphaba’s hips jerked, knocking against her chin. 

“Patience, Elphie,” she whispered, crawling back up to dip her tongue into her lover’s mouth, reveling in sensation to Elphaba sucking her tongue and tasting herself on her lips. 

Galinda curled one hand over the headboard, fingers gripping tight as her other hand traveled down her stomach, leading Elphaba’s gaze directly down to the bright pink toy glistening with lube. 

“Look at me,” she whispered, nuzzling Elphaba’s jaw with her nose before pulling back.  Elphaba swallowed hard and managed to drag her gaze back up to Elphaba’s eyes.  “I want you to look at me.  Don’t take your eyes off me, Elphie.  Can you do that?”  Elphaba’s gaze faltered for a clock tick but she held steady and nodded.  Galinda’s fingers curled at the base of the toy, stroking her palm over it again as she dragged the tip through Elphaba’s wet heat. 

Despite the blush in Galinda’s face, her gaze held strong on Elphaba’s, confidence growing by the moment as she slid the toy down and pressed in slowly.  Elphaba’s hands curved around Galinda’s waist, nails dragging against tender, pale flesh.  The base of the toy pressed against Galinda’s clit as she pushed in deeper, and she bit back a sharp cry.

Elphaba’s gaze faltered again, eyelids fluttering as Galinda stilled, buried as deep as she could go.  Galinda’s breath caught in her chest, the pressure against her clit making her core ache for release.  She slid her free hand from the base of the toy to curl behind Elphaba’s neck, and then she leaned in, lips dragging against Elphaba’s, tongue begging for more.  Elphaba’s hands moved up her waist before her arms pulled around Galinda’s shoulders and brought her closer.

As Elphaba relaxed, Galinda’s hips began to rock, and the sound of silicone dragging through impossibly wet heat had the blonde white-knuckling the headboard as one of Elphaba’s legs hooked over her hip to pull her deeper. 

“Baby,” Galinda panted into her waiting mouth.  “Wish I could feel you.  Fuck, baby, you’re taking me so—”

The sound that tore from Elphaba’s lips was half moan, half scream, and Galinda nearly came at the sight of her pretty girlfriend arching back against the mattress, eyes rolling back, mouth falling open, one hand sliding up her own chest and neck, nails dragging down green skin before she gripped the sheets beneath her again. 

Galinda smirked, confidence climbing, and she buried her face against Elphaba’s neck, hand gripping the side of Elphaba’s thigh as she pushed deeper, harder, faster. 

“So good for me, Elphie.  So pretty for me when you’re taking my cock.”  Elphaba’s hands were on Galinda again, one tangling in her hair, the other dragging nails down the impossibly smooth skin on her back.  Galinda bit back a cry, changing the angle of her hips as the base of the dildo rocked against her increasingly sensitive clit, pushing her closer and closer as Elphaba stretched and squeezed around the length. 

“Galinda I’m clo—oh fuck!”  Galinda’s fingers curled around the bend of Elphaba’s knee, tugging her leg up higher, burying herself deeper, rocking faster and harder until she felt the sharp sting of nails against her lower back.  Elphaba came loudly and freely, Galinda’s name falling from her lips with shaking gasps of breath.  Galinda, still deep inside, stilled her movements and simply grinded down against the base of the toy as heat blossomed tight and low.  And when the sweet coil of tension finally snapped, she buried her cries against Elphaba’s neck, collapsing against her as her lover’s trembling fingers stroked the back of her neck, grounding her to the mortal coil as the cool evening air settled over them both. 

The soft rasp of aching breaths filled the silence until Galinda lifted her head and locked eyes with Elphaba’s.  They stared at one another for a moment before a smile broke out over the blonde’s face.  Elphaba’s arms curled tightly around Galinda’s shoulders, pulling her down for a sweet kiss.

“You’re something else,” Elphaba murmured, lips slotting against Galinda’s, tongue slipping out to tease her lover’s. 

“Why thank you, Elphie.  I’ll take the compliment.”  She winked, and Elphaba laughed.  Elphaba rolled her then, gasping and shuddering as the toy slipped out of her with the change of positions.  “Would you help me with the straps?”  Elphaba nodded, fingers trembling as she helped Galinda loosen the harness so she could slip out of it.  It fell to the floor with a disturbing thud, and they laughed again, Elphaba planting kisses along Galinda’s neck all the while. 

“Well, that’s one thing I can check off my list for date five.”  She arched her neck as Elphaba nipped and sucked at the spot just over her heartbeat.

“There’s a list?” Elphaba asked, raising her head and quirking an eyebrow.  Her braids fell over her shoulders and onto the pillow beside Galinda’s head.  The blonde smiled, bringing her hand up to cup Elphaba’s cheek. 

“Of course there’s a list,” the blonde giggled.  “And I’m just getting started.”

*~*~*~*

The scent of Galinda’s shampoo was the first thing Elphaba became aware of as she roused from her sleep.  Next, it was the way Galinda’s head was heavy against her chest and her breath was warm against her sternum.  Then it was the way her arm was draped protectively over her waist, fingers curled at Elphaba’s side, warm and soft.  A sleepy smile tugged at Elphaba’s lips, and she craned her neck to place a gentle kiss atop Galinda’s head. Galinda stirred in her sleep, fingers flexing against Elphaba’s waist.  She yawned deeply and blew out a slow breath that warmed Elphaba’s skin.  A little moan fell from the blonde’s lips as she stretched.  She lifted her head only to rest her chin down against Elphaba’s sternum.  She blinked up at her sleepily and smiled.

“Time is it?” Galinda asked softly.

“Nearly six,” Elphaba murmured.  “Sun’ll be up soon.”  Galinda stirred a little, one hand coming up to rest upon Elphaba’s chest.  Elphaba curled her fingers around the blonde’s wrist and kissed the top of her hand. 

“Watch the sunrise with me?”

“Hmm,” Elphaba nodded.  She shifted in the bed then, tossing two pillows behind her back so she sit up and lean back against the headboard.  Galinda moved to sit next to her, curling into her side.  Elphaba wrapped one arm around her girlfriend’s waist and blinked across the way at the picture window.  On the horizon, a pale blue haze began to take over the sky as the dawn began to break.  “It’s so quiet here.”

“Hmm,” Galinda smiled.  “It’s perfect.”

Elphaba brough the sheet up over them both, and Galinda smiled, lifting her head long enough to press a kiss to Elphaba’s cheek.  The early morning light began to ease into the quiet bedroom.  Everything was bathed in muted blue and shadowy grey, and Elphaba could just make out the smile on her girlfriend’s mouth when she glanced at her.

“You look so pretty when you’re thoroughly ravaged,” Galinda sighed.  Elphaba snorted. 

“Thank you?”

“Hmm,” Galinda smiled, biting her lip and staring up at Elphaba until she met her gaze.  Galinda’s lips were on Elphaba’s in a heartbeat, and the older woman moaned softly, relaxing back against the headboard as Galinda raised up on her knees, hands gripping the headboard on either side of Elphaba’s head.  Elphaba’s hands were at her waist, holding her steady, and Galinda kissed her deeply, each moment a tease of something more.  But then the blonde pulled back and ran her thumb over Elphaba’s lips.  “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Elphaba chuckled.  And then the blonde was settling back against her, head on her chest, arms circling her waist.  Elphaba stared at the window for a moment, blood thrumming in her veins as every nerve ending woke with a slow smoldering need for more.

They held each other as the blues and greys began to fade into soft oranges and gorgeous pinks.  Galinda gasped softly as the first break of light began to filter through the rugged treetops.

“It’s beautiful,” Elphaba murmured as the hazy night sky began to brighten around the twinkling stars and the ghostly face of the moon. 

“It really is,” Galinda sighed.  She arched up to press a kiss to Elphaba’s jaw and then her lips again.  Her hand came up to gently curl at the back of Elphaba’s neck.  “Kiss me, Elphie.”  Elphaba smiled and obliged, lips slotting against Galinda’s. The blonde smiled against her lips, and she felt one hand come to rest upon her chest.  “Elphie?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”  Elphaba hesitated only a fraction on a moment.  She pulled back, thumb grazing the apple of Galinda’s cheek.   Her gaze was bright and sure, and her lips twitched in a little grin. 

“I love you,” she echoed, warmth blooming throughout her chest as Galinda’s smile lit up her face. 

“Good,” Galinda mused, trailing her fingertip along the edge of Elphaba’s jaw.  “Now, kiss me again, Elphie.”

And she did.

Notes:

Date 5, Day 1 and moving into Day 2. How are we feeling? What do you think could possibly be next on Galinda's list? We got strap sex AND those 3 lil words. Whatever might Galinda have planned next? Let me know! <3 Thanks for reading!

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Sometime after sunrise, they’d drifted back off to sleep, neither ready to leave the comfort of the bed.  After all, they had the whole weekend, and sleeping in was a luxury neither of them ever seemed to have time for. 

Galinda woke first, the clock on the wall announcing it was nearing eight fifteen which meant breakfast would be arriving soon.  Galinda reached for her phone on the bedside table, checking the delivery app.  Sure enough, breakfast was enroute and tracking for delivery in ten minutes. 

She knew Elphaba would want to cook for her, but she wanted them to be able to enjoy a quiet morning in together without pesky distractions like cooking. 

Galinda lay on her side, one hand propping her chin while the other lay between her and Elphaba on the mattress.  Her fingers twitched, aching to reach out and touch her, but Elphaba was sleeping so peacefully that waking her felt like a sin.

She was beautiful, the early morning light kissing her flawless green skin.  A little twitch in her brow every so often piqued Galinda’s interest.  What was her girlfriend dreaming about?

As she lay there in the quiet of the morning, a sleepy warmth settled in her bones, wrapping her in comfort as she thought back to sunrise and finally telling Elphaba what she’d been feeling for quite some time.  She’d never been in love before.  She’d never felt like this.  

Elphaba was a part of her, even when they weren’t together.  She found her mind wandering to her in class, when she was watching TV, when she was studying.  These days, thoughts of Elphaba even bled into her artwork.  She’d never let someone in so completely into her heart before, but the feeling was intoxicating.

As she lay there watching Elphaba sleep, she felt tears sting her eyes.  This perfect, beautiful weekend was only just getting started, but it somehow didn’t feel like enough.  The overwhelming ache beneath her ribs settled in as she the fought off the thoughts of having to go home and back to their respective apartments when the weekend was over. 

She sighed softly, and her eyes narrowed when Elphaba’s lips twitched at the corners. 

“You’re awake, aren’t you?” she asked softly.  Elphaba’s nose crinkled, and she turned her face toward Galinda’s.  She slowly opened her eyes, and Galinda felt her heart flutter in her chest.

“I felt you staring.”

“I wasn’t staring,” Galinda lied.

“Oh, you weren’t?”

“Of course not,” Galinda grinned.  “I was thinking.”

“Thinking,” Elphaba mused, rolling onto her side, sheet falling off of her and revealing her bare breasts.  Galinda scooted in, curling up against her, pressing herself into Elphaba, skin to skin.  “Thinking about what, exactly?”

“Today, Elphie,” she pointed out, kissing her nose.  Elphaba’s smile widened, and Galinda gave her a peck on the lips.  “Are you hungry?”

“Mmm.  I could eat,” Elphaba murmured.  “What are you hungry for?”

“Something neither of us has to cook,” Galinda pointed out.  “Breakfast is on the way.”  Elphaba sighed softly and leaned back against her pillow.  Her green eyes sparkled with something tender and light, her lips still pressed into a grin that made Galinda’s heart beat just a clock tick off rhythm.  Her fingers twitched with the urge to draw her, to capture this vision of her forever on paper.  Instead, she reached out to press her hand against Elphaba’s chest.  “How do you feel this morning?”

“Thoroughly ravaged,” Elphaba murmured with a light chuckle, echoing Galinda’s words from sunrise. 

“Perfect,” Galinda grinned, brushing her lips over Elphaba’s.  She sighed contentedly when Elphaba’s arms encircled her waist and pulled her closer before rolling her onto her back.  Elphaba’s mouth was on her neck in a moment, and Galinda was giggling at the feather light kisses her girlfriend placed along her collarbones.  “Careful, Elphie.  We should save our strength.”

“Oh?”  Elphaba quirked a brow.  Galinda grinned. 

“Mmm.  Yes.  I have a whole day planned for us.  We’ll have breakfast and get showered.  Then we’ll head out on our hike before we come back to soa—”

“Hike?” Elphaba asked, raising her head, lips pursed in an amused smirk.  “We’re going hiking?”

“Well, yes,” Galinda said slowly.  “Do you not want to?”

“You want to?”

“Afraid you won’t be able to keep up?”  Galinda’s fingers teased slow, lazy circles over the length of Elphaba’s back.  Elphaba dipped down to kiss her before pulling back with a smirk.

“No, I’m afraid you’ll get tired and I’ll have to carry you,” Elphaba teased.  Galinda gasped in feigned offense.  Elphaba laughed and kissed her again, sighing softly into her lover’s mouth as the morning light began to bathe over them through the picture window. 

“I didn’t exactly pack hiking gear.”

“Nor did you pack a swimsuit,” Galinda pointed out, kissing Elphaba’s nose.  “That won’t be a problem.  We’re not going far.”  Elphaba’s brow arched in curiosity, and just as she was about to lean down to kiss her girlfriend again, the phone buzzed on the nightstand.  Galinda gasped and turned her head just in time for Elphaba to nuzzle her ear.  “Ooh, breakfast is here!”  The words came out almost in song.  Galinda went into the app to leave their delivery driver a tip before she gently pushed on Elphaba’s shoulders.  Elphaba pulled back with a defeated sigh. 

Cockblocked by breakfast. Didn’t see that coming.

Galinda’s bottom lip poked out in a teasing pout before she leaned up to press a chaste peck to Elphaba’s lips.  Elphaba sighed in surrender and rolled off of her, flopping against the mattress while Galinda scurried out of bed to rummage through one of her bags.  She pulled out a silky pink robe and quickly slipped it on.  She tossed her hair back and toed on some pink slippers.  She could feel Elphaba’s eyes on her as she tied the sash of her robe, and she peered at over on the bed, her grin spreading, dimple showing in all its glory. 

“You’re beautiful,” Elphaba murmured, sitting up and letting the sheets pool in her lap.  Galinda blushed deeply and moved toward the side of the bed.  Elphaba reached out, hand trailing along the curve of Galinda’s waist, fingers tightening ever so slightly at the dip of her hip.  “Come back to bed.”  The blonde shivered under her touch.

“Elphie, our food will get cold.”  She was already kneeling on the mattress, crawling over her lover with a smirk upon her lips.  Elphaba’s arms curled around her waist and pulled her down close.

“That’s what microwaves are for.”  Her lips found Galinda’s once again, and the blonde moaned softly against her lips. 

“Oh, Elphie,” she sighed, gasping with exhilaration when Elphaba rolled her onto her back once again.  She wrapped her arms around Elphaba’s shoulders and buried her face against her neck with a grin.  “The things I let you talk me into.”  She sighed dramatically, and Elphaba snorted against her neck before pulling back.

“If you’re that hungry, Galinda, I can just…”  She started to pull back, but Galinda tightened her hold on her lover, one leg coming up to drape over Elphaba’s hip.

“Don’t you dare,” Galinda teased.  “Breakfast can wait.  After all, that’s what microwaves are for.”

*~*~*~*~*

Galinda had gone all out on breakfast.  Their courteous delivery driver had left the hot portion of their meal in an insulated container.  So when they’d finally made their way downstairs, disheveled and still a little drunk on one another, they’d had a warm meal to tuck into at the little table in front of the big picture window facing west. 

The view was gorgeous.  Their cabin was along the foothills of the Lesser Kells.  The great mountaintops loomed overhead like majestic giants, and Elphaba couldn’t help but take a few photos of the view with her phone.  She also couldn’t help but take a photo of her gorgeous girlfriend with her face turned toward the view, chin propped in her hands as she slowly chewed a freshly cut strawberry dipped in honey.

“Elphie,” Galinda blushed, turning her face toward Elphaba.  “I’m a mess.”

“You’re beautiful,” Elphaba reminded her. 

“You get one picture.  For your eyes only,” Galinda giggled, reaching across the table to stroke the back of Elphaba’s hand. 

“One,” Elphaba  smirked.  “Or six.”

“Elphaba Thropp!  Let me see!”  Elphaba handed over her phone with a shrug, and Galinda scrolled through the photos, shaking her head with exasperation.  “You’re positively wicked, Elphie.  I look….”

“Thoroughly ravaged,” Elphaba teased, watching the crimson in Galinda’s cheeks burn a little brighter.    Galinda’s jaw dropped for half a clock-tick while Elphaba grabbed a pitted cherry and popped it in her mouth, lips curving in a satisfied grin as she chewed.  Galinda blinked at her and swallowed hard, mouth watering at the thought of tasting that delicious fruit on her girlfriend’s even more delicious tongue.

“Did you have enough to eat, Elphie?” she managed to ask, batting her eyelashes as her cheek dimpled. 

“Mmm.  I had my fill.”

“Are you sure?” Galinda asked, foot nudging Elphaba’s under the table. 

“Well,” Elphaba said with a little smirk, choosing a slice of strawberry this time.  She dipped it in honey and popped it in her mouth, savoring the sweetness of the honey and the way it brought out the flavor of the berry.  “I’d never say no to dessert.”

Within minutes, the two were pressed into one another in the upstairs shower stall, hands slicking against wet, soapy skin under the exquisite pressure of the showerhead.  Galinda’s back was pressed hard against the tile wall, one leg draped over Elphaba’s shoulder, the other gripping the safety rail for, well, safety.  Water beaded off of her pebbled nipples, soft gasps escaping her kiss swollen lips as Elphaba feasted between her legs like a woman starved. 

“Elphie,” she whimpered, fingers gripping the trail as she tried desperately to stay upright on one shaky knee.  Elphaba’s arms curled around her thighs, tongue dipping inside before she sucked her clit firmly between her lips.

It didn’t take much to bring the blonde crashing over, and when she came with Elphaba’s name on her lips, the older woman soothed her with soft kisses to her inner thigh.  Soon, Galinda sank to the floor, a boneless heap as Elphaba’s mouth found hers and let her taste herself.

And somehow, they managed to tear themselves apart, shower properly and get dressed as if they hadn’t just done unspeakable things to one another. 

Sidelong glances at one another, flushed faces, peeks in the reflection of the vanity mirror.  Every look carried a heat and a weight behind it, and Galinda found her hand trembling as she moisturized her face and applied her lip gloss. 

She watched Elphaba select a pair of running shoes.  They weren’t ideal for hiking, but as she’d said, they wouldn’t be going far.  She chose a pair of khaki shorts and a white tank top, and she pulled her braids back in a bun behind her head.  She knew her girlfriend had a nice body, but something about the way the sunlight filtered through the windows and kissed her skin in just the right way had Galinda’s gaze traveling over Elphaba’s exquisite arms.  She squeezed her thighs together on the bench and thought about how good it felt when Elphaba wrapped her arms around her, when she braced herself, both hands on the pillow on either side of Galinda’s head and stared down at her just before dipping down to kiss her. 

The need to see Elphaba work out suddenly pulled to the forethought of Galinda’s mind, and her heart fluttered in her chest at the idea of watching her do just about anything that would get her sweaty and breathless.

It wasn’t until Galinda went stock still and dropped her lip gloss with a clatter that Elphaba realized she’d been staring.  She smirked.  Galinda’s gaze faltered, and she cleared her throat, grabbing for her lip gloss to put the cap back on before it could spill out on the table.   

“You ok?” Elphaba asked slowly, moving across the room and standing behind Galinda.  Her hands came to rest upon Galinda’s shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze.

“Mmm,” Galinda managed to hum out, a little smile quirking at her lips. “Of course!”  She cleared her throat and worked her blonde locks back into a ponytail, blonde tendrils falling softly against her cheeks.  Elphaba gently squeezed her shoulders. 

“You sure?” she asked.  Galinda’s gaze met hers in the mirror, and she smiled warmly, trying to control the shake in her breath.

“Absolutely.”  She winked at her, and Elphaba’s gaze stayed on her.  She could feel Elphaba watching her, and heat bloomed freely through her chest.  She took a deep breath and turned in the seat, looking directly up into Elphaba’s eyes.  “You look incredible.” 

“You think so?” Elphaba asked, looking down at herself, taking a step back and letting go of Galinda’s shoulders.  Galinda stood then, legs a little wobbly, and she came in close, hands trailing up Elphaba’s exquisite arms. 

“I know so.”  Her arms curled around Elphaba’s neck.  The thought that they might never get on with this hike occurred to her, but she didn’t really care.  She was just as happy to stay right here in this moment with her Elphie.    “Does my hair look ok?”  She craned her neck, knowing exactly what she was doing, knowing Elphaba would have no resistance to her exposed neck.  Sure enough, Elphaba was trailing her lips over the curve of her neck moments later.

“Mmmhmm,” she murmured, chuckling softly as Galinda’s fingers gripped her arms a little tighter.  She pulled back, green eyes smoldering with something that had heat rushing through Galinda’s veins. 

“The, um, hike, Elphie,” she stammered.  “As much as I’d love to stay here and do this all day, the ad for this place promised a gorgeous view when we reach our destination.  I want us to see it together.”  She bit her bottom lip, and Elphaba sighed, leaning in to kiss her cheek.  “And I do have so many plans for us today, none of which we’ll get to if we don’t go…now.”  She silently cursed herself when Elphaba pulled back and was no longer touching her. 

“Lead the way,” Elphaba said with a sweeping gesture toward the door.  Galinda grinned and smoothed her hands over the front of her pink tank top before she leaned down to grab a backpack off the floor beside the vanity.  “What’s that?”

“Water.  Snacks.  Flare gun.  You know, the usual.”  Elphaba’s brows shot up, and Galinda just winked at her, flouncing by and toward the bedroom door.  Elphaba cleared her throat and grabbed for her phone, tucking it into her back pocket before she hurried after Galinda.

“Um, Galinda?”

“Yes, Elphie?” Galinda asked, practically gliding down the stairs.

“About this hike…”

“Yes?”

“Y-you were just joking about the bears, right?”  Galinda glanced at her sideways over her shoulder.  That Oz-damned dimple popped once more.  She said nothing, grabbed the keys off the hook by the door and started outside.  

Elphaba paused at the foot of the stairs. 

“Right?” 

Silence.

“Right, Galinda?” 

“Are you coming or not, Elphie?!”

Elphaba pinched the bridge of her nose, took a deep breath and followed.

Notes:

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think! <3

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Elphaba Thropp couldn’t stop smiling.  It was a good feeling, one she’d grown accustomed to since meeting Galinda.  She could have chalked it up to the warm weather, the sunshine filtering through the treetops or the cool shadows the Quoxwood trees cast along the footpath toward their destination.  But she knew the real reason.  She was holding Galinda’s hand, listening to the blonde hum softly as they walked along.  Every now and then they’d catch each other’s gaze, sometimes stumbling over something on the path and then giggling like idiots because they knew they should be paying attention but couldn’t help themselves anyway.

They’d been walking for about a half hour. The trail had been well-traveled, it was obvious.  There were initials carved into the wooden benches placed every quarter mile, permanent marker scribblings on fence posts that seemed hideoteous against the pristine natural beauty that surrounded them. 

They crossed a long footbridge that covered a narrow offshoot of the Vinkus river.  Galinda leaned over one railing, peering down at a paddling of ducks drifting along the lazy waters looking for fish.  Dotted along the glittering water every now and then were great rocks half-submerged in the depths, turtles basking atop them in the sunlight, heads poking from their shells and raising high. 

“Look, Elphie!” Galinda cooed as a crane spread its wings and took flight and disappeared down a turn in the river.  Elphaba’s arm came around her waist, pulling her close.  “Ugh, I could live here, it’s so pretty.”  Galinda immediately swatted at a mosquito as it landed on her neck.  Elphaba smirked.  “Ok, maybe not right here.”  She reached into her back pocket and pulled out her phone to take a nice panoramic shot of the river cutting around the canyon.  Elphaba watched her as she lined up her shot just right and moved the phone from left to right to capture it perfectly.  And then, to Elphaba’s surprise, Galinda turned to face her, snapping an up close shot of her.

“Oh Oz, delete that immediately,” Elphaba groaned, swiping her hand toward Galinda’s phone.

“Nope.  It’s already my wallpaper.  Too late, beautiful.”  Elphaba made a face, and Galinda leaned in to kiss her lips, giggling as Elphaba’s arms encircled her waist.  “In fact, I don’t have nearly enough photos of you on my phone, Elphie.”

“Tragic,” Elphaba sighed.

“It is.  You should send me photos so I can stare at you when we aren’t together. “

“Someone’s feeling needy,” Elphaba teased, giving Galinda’s ass a firm squeeze. 

“You have no idea, Elphie,” Galinda murmured, voice low and a little husky as she tugged at Elphaba’s bottom lip with her teeth.  “I wouldn’t object to a classy nude or two.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Elphaba cackled, throwing her head back as Galinda’s lips trailed down her neck. 

“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

“I’ve seen yours.  I’m intimately familiar with yours,” Elphaba teased, hand sliding into the back pocket of Galinda’s shorts. 

“You know what I mean,” Galinda sighed dramatically.  “Fine.  I’ll just have to draw you from memory for those long, lonely nights we’re apart.”

“Y-you don’t have to draw me from memory, my sweet,” Elphaba pointed out, face warming the moment the words left her lips.  Galinda gasped softly and raised an eyebrow. 

“You would pose for me?”

“M-maybe,” Elphaba stuttered, swallowing thickly.  Galinda narrowed her eyes at her girlfriend for a moment, deciding not to press the issue any further or else they may never finish their hike.  Not that that would necessarily be a bad thing. 

“Hmm,” she hummed, pulling away but reaching for Elphaba’s hand.  “Noted.” 

The trail grew steeper on the other side of the bridge, but it wasn’t too taxing, and after another twenty minutes or so, Galinda paused.  Elphaba stopped at her side and glanced at her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.  I think we’re almost there,” she smiled.  “The ad for the cabin said the end of the trail was just after a pair of entwined trees at the turn.”  She nodded to where the trail veered off and down a slight where two very tall, very old trees had grown together over the years.  The branches of one held rustling, green leaves.  Beautiful, soft pink flowers bloomed on the branches of the other.  Galinda tugged on Elphaba’s hand, guiding her down the trail to stand in front of the trees.  “Humor me, please.”  Galinda pulled her phone out again and held it up and out to take a photo.  Elphaba leaned in, cheek pressed against Galinda’s as she snapped the photo, and then she turned her face, kissing her girlfriend on the cheek. Galinda laughed softly and met Elphaba’s lips with a tender kiss.  “I love you.”

“I love you,” Elphaba murmured softly, heat blossoming under her skin as her heart beat a little faster.  The rush of saying it aloud again had her feeling almost giddy.  Galinda didn’t give her much time to linger in the moment, however.  The blonde laced their fingers together again and continued guiding her down the rest of the path. 

The trail turned, ended and opened out into a railed overlook.  A strong breeze greeted them, rustling the canopies of the tall trees lining the path.  The mountains loomed over them like tall giants from childhood tales, and the main branch of the Vinkus river parted them.  Elphaba gasped softly as she and Galinda stepped up to the railing and peered over the canyon.

The part of the river they’d crossed before seemed nothing more than a stream compared to the great, rushing waters before them.  The rapids crashing around the boulders below sent sprays up into the air, creating a misty haze.  The sunlight angled just right to create a pale rainbow over the water. 

“Elphie, look,” Galinda gasped softly, squeezing her girlfriend’s hand.  Elphaba stepped closer, body pressing into the rickety wooden railing.  Galinda’s grip on her hand tightened.  “Oz, it’s more beautiful than I imagined.” 

“It’s amazing,” Elphaba agreed, eyes wide as she took in the sights around her.  “How’d you find this place?”

“Honestly?” Galinda laughed.  “I just wanted to take you somewhere special.  Somewhere we could be alone.  Fiyero grew up not far from here, and he told me there were some beautiful places in the mountains.  So I might have started quietly researching after our first date.”  She blushed, and Elphaba turned to her.  “I came across the house on a vacation rental listing, and it had a hot tub, so I was pretty much sold on that.  And then I got to reading more and learned about this view, and I couldn’t resist.  Do you like it?”

“L-like it?” Elphaba stammered.  “I love it.  It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”  She swallowed hard and felt Galinda’s arm wrap around her waist.  The blonde’s head fell upon her shoulder, and she turned her head to press her nose against soft, blonde hair.  “Thank you for bringing me here.”  Galinda hummed softly and pulled her arms tighter around Elphaba.  Elphaba’s arm moved around her waist, fingers gently idly tapping against her stomach as they stood there looking out over the water and the mist and the rainbow until a smattering of clouds fell upon the sun’s path and cast a shadow over the canyon. 

Galinda sighed softly, and Elphaba chuckled, giving her hip a little pat. 

“Go on.”

“What?” Galinda asked softly, her voice almost drowsy.

“Take your pictures.”

“I’m fine,” Galinda insisted, turning to bury her face against Elphaba’s neck.  Then, muffled, “I’d rather hold you like this.  It’s romantic.”

“Mmmhmm,” Elphaba chuckled, gently rubbing her back.  Galinda lifted her head and pressed a kiss to Elphaba’s chin.  Elphaba caught her gaze.  “If you don’t take your pictures now, you’re going to be kicking yourself all the way home.”  Galinda huffed and made a face.  “I’m not wrong.”

Galinda reached for her phone again, trying to suppress the happy grin when she got a particularly great shot of the canyon and the river just as the clouds parted.  After a few minutes, she put her phone away and turned fully toward Elphaba, taking both of her hands in hers. 

“Good?” Elphaba asked.

“Hmm.  Kiss me.”  Elphaba wasted no time.  She wrapped her girl fully in her arms and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth before pulling back and letting Galinda chase the kiss.  Galinda’s arms came up to circle around Elphaba’s neck, and she sighed against the kiss, smiling and arching her neck when Elphaba’s lips pressed warmed kisses along her jaw.

“What other plans do you have for me today, my sweet?” Elphaba asked, nuzzling Galinda’s neck, sucking tenderly there until the blonde was practically vibrating against her. 

“Well,” Galinda choked out, “I thought after our hike, a little dip in the hot tub would do us both some good.”  She bit her bottom lip and leaned back as Elphaba’s mouth trailed down her throat and her hands clutched at her waist.  “And then a nice, hot shower.”  Elphaba’s teeth nipped at her ear.  Galinda gasped.  “Then dinner.  I’m thinking candlelight.  Romantic.  And then you can take me to bed and thank me for the lovely afternoon.”  Elphaba snorted, and Galinda’s shoulders shook with her own laugh. 

“And how would you like your thank you?” Elphaba asked, kissing Galinda’s lips again.  The blonde opened up, and Elphaba dipped inside, tasting her until she was moaning softly against the kiss. 

“Baby,” Galinda cooed between kisses.  “Please…”  Elphaba pulled back and quirked a brow. 

A little preview?

“You gonna tell me?” Elphaba asked.

“You already know what I want.”  Galinda’s voice was low, hungry.  Her dark eyes flickered with heat that made Elphaba’s thighs clench.  Galinda leaned in, her breath ghosting over Elphaba’s ear.  “Pink goes good with green.”  Elphaba groaned.  Loudly.  Galinda pulled back, an innocent pout upon her lips. 

They stared at one another for a clock tick before Elphaba took Galinda’s hand and started leading her back down the trail toward the cabin.  Galinda squealed with delight at her girlfriend’s urgency.  But just as they reached the two entwined trees, something rustled in the bushes that made Elphaba stop dead in her tracks.  She stepped in front of Galinda, her eyes wide, heartbeat thundering so wildly she could feel it pulsing in her ears. 

“Elphie?” Galinda asked.  “What in the world?” 

“Shh!” Elphaba insisted.  Galinda’s free hand moved to Elphaba’s shoulder, and she rested her chin there, eyes wide as the bush continued to rustle.  “You said there are bears?”

“I honestly have no idea, Elphie,” Galinda whispered.  “Surely they wouldn’t be—”

“Oh, Oz, something’s coming.  Stay behind me.”  Elphaba tensed up in front of Galinda, reaching one arm out and around.  And then, out of the bushes emerged two rambunctious squirrels that stopped immediately in their tracks when they saw the two girls standing before them, equally shocked.  Galinda giggled when Elphaba’s shoulders fell in relief.  The squirrels scampered up a tree, one right after the other. 

“Thank goodness you were here to protect me,” Galinda teased, giving her girlfriend’s hip a squeeze.

“How was I supposed to know it wasn’t a bear?” Elphaba insisted, scowling at the tree the squirrels had run up.  She wiped the back of her hand over her brow before scuffing the dirt with the toe of her boot.  Galinda looped her arm with Elphaba’s and leaned in to kiss her cheek.

“Elphaba Thropp, you were willing to stand between me and a bear.  If that’s not love, I don’t know what is,” she whispered, nuzzling her cheek with her nose.  

“It was a squirrel,” Elphaba muttered.

“Two squirrels,” Galinda corrected her.  “And it could have been a bear.  My hero.”  She nibbled at Elphaba’s ear until the older woman was squirming and laughing.  Galinda’s arms tightened around her waist, and she nuzzled her nose against the soft, green skin of Elphaba’s neck. 

“Galinda?” Elphaba asked softly.

“Yes, my love?” the blonde hummed. 

“Can we get out of here now?” she chuckled.  Galinda grinned, mouth curving against the side of Elphaba’s neck.  She gently grazed her teeth there, satisfied she’d left a little mark.  Galinda stepped around her girlfriend, reaching for her hand.  A warm smile brightened the blonde’s face.

“Come on, Elphie.  Let’s go.”

Notes:

Thanks to all of you who are still reading! Your comments mean so much to me! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Also, what color bikinis do you think Galinda packed? And which color do you think Elphie will end up wearing? Not that it matters, because we know our hungry little blonde is going to have her out of it in no time.