Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The ruckus that Galinda is, most certainly, causing beyond that bathroom door is something Elphaba doesn't want to trouble her mind with, not at this current moment at least, though she knows she'll have to deal with the calamitous blonde soon enough. So as she prepares herself for sleep, she puts to good use her recently acquired skill, and simply tunes out the cacophony of thuds and the chorus of slurred expletives that predictably follow.

Elphaba has come to learn that whilst her roommate may be the walking embodiment of a music-box ballerina when clear-headed, she does not possess the same decorum when intoxicated. And, unfortunately for Elphaba, she is to bear the brunt of it when, every Saturday evening without fail, the blonde wobbles into their shared dormitory and collapses into a heap on the floor.

Not passed out, no, no. Just a theatrical display–not atypical from the blonde–that begs for her attention.

Credit where it's due, Galinda isn't the most inconsiderate roommate. She never returns black-out drunk, a small victory in Elphaba’s mind – her state always lends itself more to moderately tipsy.

Elphaba would be lying if she said it wasn't slightly endearing to watch her friend, mindlessly, babble on about whatever nonsense seized her thoughts that evening. On such evenings, she'd find herself gently manoeuvring Galinda’s limp form off the floor and into bed before she'd fetch the blonde a cup of iced water, swirly pink straw in tact, and place it on her bedside table but not before momentarily holding the cup up to Galinda’s flushed cheeks in an attempt to bring down her body heat – She had a strange habit of over-heating after a night out, Elphaba had come to learn. And it was only after Elphaba was satisfied that she'd suitably brought down the blonde’s temperature, after a touch to her forehead, that she would return to her own bed.

And all the while, Galinda would continue her little tangents – only halting every few minutes to make sure Elphaba was paying attention. “What did I just say, if you were really listening to me then, Elphie?” She'd pout and Elphaba would regurgitate a loosely accurate account of her friend’s speech that always seemed to satisfy Galinda enough to return to her ramblings.

Elphaba smiled to herself in the mirror, toothbrush held between her lips, as she listened in to the sounds behind the door. So much for tuning it all out.

“Ouch!” Galinda muttered to herself, as she hopped around on one foot, knocking into things while she wrestled with the straps of her shoe, the other boot discarded carelessly in some unknown location in the room.

With a roll of her eyes, Elphaba swung open the door of the bathroom. Galinda, like a deer in headlights, halted her absurd hopping to peer at the green witch standing at the door and even with the toothbrush still in her mouth, Galinda could tell her roommate was not impressed with her antics.

“Sit down” She instructed, the words were obstructed by the object in her mouth, but were certainly no less commanding and Galinda hurried to comply, perching herself on the other witch’s bed.

Elphaba took a few quick strides to reach her and then dropped to her knees so suddenly that Galinda’s brain couldn't compute it fast enough and she could suddenly feel the flush on her cheeks that Elphaba always made such a fuss over. And Galinda was starting to see that maybe she was right to, because her pulse was quickening, heat bloomed steadily in her chest and she suddenly felt very short of breath.

But just like that, Elphaba’s swift fingers had untied the laces and she was returning to the bathroom, the door closing behind her as she went.

“Give me a moment, Galinda” She called out from inside.

She went through the motions of her night routine at a vaguely faster pace than usual, as to not keep her friend waiting but it would seem as though that did not matter greatly.

When she returned to the room, Galinda was sprawled out across her bed. My bed! the alarm bells rang through her brain.

Elphaba winced at the thought of Galinda’s outside clothes, carelessly, contaminating her immaculate sheets but she didn't dare say anything. How could she when Galinda’s petite figure lay content, her chest rising and falling and her dainty little face, ridden of any of its characteristic expressions?

She approached the resting blonde, and though the garments irked her she couldn't find it in her to take them off for her; She did, however, unbutton her shirt from where it strained against her chest. She thought about what little else she could do to relieve some discomfort for the sleeping witch, and decided she’d attempt to take her hair out of its up-do, though she didn't even know where to begin with this task.

Nimbly, she pried the ribbon out of her hair and then began gently tugging strands free, pins coming loose with each tweak.

Surprised at the outcome, Elphaba admired her handiwork as Galinda’s blonde locks now splayed, freely, across her pillow. Carefully, she reached out to push some of the strands to the side of the pillow that Galinda had, seemingly, deemed as hers.

She let her fingers linger, however, an uncharacteristic, irresistible urge to keep touching.

Unable to pry them from her silky satin hair, Elphaba found herself daring to hover higher until her hands found purchase at the blonde’s scalp, and she softly began to massage the crown of her head.

She wasn't usually this unrestrained, in fact she prided herself in discipline and control, and dear Oz, she did surely need an abundance of it. Galinda was like no other, and it required a whole lot of composure to not profess her love for her at any given moment. Perhaps the only thing keeping her from doing so was her dignity, she would not dare be seen as another in the many that would throw themselves at Galinda’s feet – because it was a known fact there were many.

She could only hope that, though Galinda was likely uninclined to view her in any romantical notion, she at least thought her different to others. And not for the reasons everyone else did but rather different in a sentimental sort of way. Dare she hope that Galinda held her in some regard higher than most others? That she deemed their connection distinct enough to place her somewhere amongst her most beloved? Elphaba couldn't tell for sure but she did believe that, perhaps, that were the case… I mean their mutual content for each other had to count for something, right?

“Mmm”

And this mumble, though barely audible, was enough to have Elphaba snatching her hand away.

“No, don't stop Elphie” Galinda pleaded, voice sluggish with fatigue and drink, eyes still closed.

Elphaba scolded her expression into place, and pushed away whatever troublesome train of thought had protruded its way to the forefront of her mind. “You're awake” Elphaba stated, trying for a poker response.

When no reply came, she took it upon herself to make things right.

“Right, to bed with you” She ushered, in an attempt to get Galinda to retreat to her own bed. Failed attempt.

Because at the sound of the command, Galinda flopped her head, dramatically, to the side, her eyes scrunching up in what she tried to pass off as ‘sleep’. After a beat or two of silence, she was impatiently shifting her head slightly to seek Elphaba’s reaction, peeking one eye open momentarily, before her head dramatically flopped back again in this theatrical facade of slumber.

It was a cute performance, Elphaba had to admit. And so, with much reluctance – which she tried to make audibly clear to the faux-sleeping Galinda through a displeased grunt– she settled herself beside the blonde.

She just about managed to flicker the light off–her sorcery was improving–and thank Oz she had because she'd hate if Galinda saw the way her smile bloomed when her small form was shuffling into her side, seeking out her comfort, Elphaba wishfully presumed. She allowed her arm to drape over the smaller witch, despite her mind’s protest. It's just as well that she couldn't see the creamy skin exposed by her open shirt that her green rested on.

“Night, Elphie”

“Good night, my sweet”

Chapter Text

It had become something of a routine, her bed being inhabited by a certain blonde.

That much would be strikingly obvious to anyone who stepped foot in the room and noticed Galinda’s fuchsia fluffy slippers that peeked out from beside her plain black ones underneath the bed.

You didn't need a beady eye to catch the pink stuffed toy that perched very centrally on their shared pillow, but say you were particularly observant… Well, then you may notice the blonde strands, artfully, concealed by the ivory of the pillow case.

Or, perhaps it was the headboard that made evident their new arrangement; Where Elphaba’s gifted hat perched askew on the post, a litter of pink ribbons trailed in its wake. “You can't possibly expect me to make the distance all the way to my bed to retrieve them, Elphie, and at first light, no less! No, no, it's much more convenient this way” Her friend had insisted one night as she pulled at the ribbon that kept her hair up. Her blonde hair had cascaded down her shoulders and as was customary, she gracefully shook out the neat waves before, neatly, tying the accessory to the headboard. And by some strange circumstance, what had transpired from that was a rather impressive collection of pinks adorned from Elphaba’s bed like windchimes.

It hadn't begun like this, certainly not, though not for a lack of trying on Galinda’s part. The pink witch sure had tried to have her ways with Elphaba, but despite her heart’s longing to harbour Galinda in her bed every night, Elphaba remained adamant that it was neither practical nor appropriate for roommates to share a bed when there were two fully functional ones (though exceptions were made on those Saturday nights when Galinda would return a little too erratic for her own good – but of course it was only so Elphaba could safe-guard the smaller witch and if Galinda would have an extra drink or two knowing it would land her in her friends bed… well that was nobody's business but hers!)

But, if one of these beds were to stop being functional then what, you may ask?

Well, that's how they landed themselves in this new predicament.

***

Galinda was perched on her bed, cross legged, with an array of “over-scented” lotions and herbal serums “extracted from places people should never venture to” according to a certain green witch.

It was night beyond the walls of their room, the star speckled darkness that she observed from the window told her as much. It also told her that she should probably make a start on the reading for tomorrow’s class and yet she didn't make a move.

Galinda sighed as she weighed up her options… She could wake up at dawn like Elphaba did everyday, but she didn't know if she trusted herself enough to commit to such an early start.

She was grumbling to herself when Elphaba walked past, headed to the restroom, but stopped at the sound of her roommates' frustrated mutters.

“What's up with you?” Elphaba questions, an eyebrow raised in concern.

“Elphie darling, would you do me the favour of waking me up when you do tomorrow?” Galinda said, decisively, and was the pride Elphaba noticed written across her face?

It wasn't right of her to laugh as obnoxiously as she did, but she couldn't help herself. It wasn't even the request that riled her up, it was the blonde’s confident delivery that truly tickled Elphaba. She had no idea why her friend thought she could manage a task that she was infamous for failing every morning… she would know! It was she who was tasked with practically prying the blonde’s eyes open each morning.

Galinda furrows her brows and her bottom lip juts forward, dissatisfied with her friend’s condescending reaction.

“Galinda, you cannot task me with the impossible!” Elphaba elaborates with a chuckle.

“Whatever do you mean!?” Galinda shoots back, incredulously.

And Elphaba cocks her head, her eyes widen and her brows raise as if to say “really?”. Instead of entertaining the back and forth that would likely occur if they persisted in this line of conversation, she settled, instead, for finding the root of the problem and if she knows Galinda as well as she thinks she does, she'd be right in her next statement.

“If this is about the reading for tomorrow, I suggest you complete it now.” Elphaba states, watching as her suspicions are confirmed by Galinda’s bashful expression, her head lowers and her gaze wanders to the floor and Elphaba can't help but smile at her small victory.

“Here” She says, as she retrieves Galinda’s book from the shelf, deciding against her usual teasing the blonde. The childlike woe written across her features tugged at Elphaba’s heartstrings rather annoyingly and she felt inclined to help the other witch for she knew of her unfortunate tendencies to procrastinate her work.

“If you get this done by the time I've tended to all my duties, you may sleep in my bed… just this once!”

Galinda’s head shot up and her doe eyes widened in surprise.

“Am I understood?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Galinda squealed gleefully, her hands clapping in quick succession and Elphaba hurried into the bathroom before her facial expression told all.

She wasn't sure if she'd made the right decision but she knew, for certain, it couldn't be a bad one if it meant she could watch Galinda’s face positively light up like a rainbow after a storm.

She was in the middle of braiding her hair, muttering to herself in the mirror, when she heard, what could only be described as, a blood curdling scream and she wasted no time leaping into action.

“Galinda?” Elphaba gasped, swinging open the door of the bathroom.

“Elphie, Elphie, Elphie!!” Galinda practically cried out for her as she stood on her bed, her arms flailing frantically and her expression bordered on hysterical.

And before Elphaba could even register what was happening, Galinda was making the few hops it took her to reach the edge of her bed and was leaping into her arms.

It was lucky they weren't both sent tumbling by the force of the blonde witch. She just about managed to manoeuvre her arms in time to catch Galinda (she had Madame Morrible to thank for insisting on reflex training), who clung onto her like a koala with short legs hooking themselves around her waist. Galinda was instantly nudging herself into Elphaba’s neck and that's when she felt salty tears prickle at her skin. She sucked in a quiet, pained breath.

“What's wrong, my sweet?”

“There's blood everywhere” And that was enough to startle Elphaba into setting the girl down in favour of grasping her by her shoulders so she could thoroughly inspect her.

“Are you hurt?” Elphaba questioned, voice laced with panic and that's when she spotted the red droplet that slowly trickled down her forehead, besmirching the beautiful snowy skin underneath. Her fingers instinctively moved to wipe it clean, and it was only when she had the blonde’s face in her hands that she found the source of the red at the crown of head.

Upon seeing the panic take over the widened emerald eyes, Galinda quickly reassured her: “It's not mine” and now Elphaba was truly befuddled.

“Wha-” She began but was cut off by Galinda’s pointing to the ceiling and that's when she noticed the large red splotch, staining the wallpaper above Galinda’s bed.

“That's rather- odd” Elphaba stated, struggling for quite a word to describe the situation unfolding in front of them. She looked over at Galinda, her eyes still brimming with tears that threatened to spill the longer she stared at the steady stream of drips that marred her fresh sheets.

She knew she had to get things in order because what she couldn't bear was to look at that pretty face, all sullen and teary. Not to mention whatever in Oz’s name was in her pretty blonde hair that she knew she tended to so dearly.

“Okay, I will go downstairs and fetch someone and you ca-”

“No” Galinda interjected, eyes wide with fright and the thought of being abandoned.

“You can't leave me with that!” She exclaimed, finger raised towards the stain as if, in the time Elphaba would be gone, it would magically gain sentience. Elphaba took another look at the god-awful shape and its offending vermillion... It was probably better to be safe than sorry.

“No, no, you're right, Oz knows what I was thinking?!” She amended, as she extended an arm to Galinda

***

“I can't believe it,” Galinda exclaimed, semi-distracted by popping the bubbles that floated around her in the tub.

“Who would've thought it?” Elphaba replied, lathering her hands with shampoo.

It had turned out to be some potions mishap from the boarder above them, a certain reason for expulsion they both thought. For all the inconvenience–and quite frankly traumatic ordeal–that they'd caused them, it was the very least of reprimands. And their troubles didn't end there, Morrible had advised Galinda to sleep elsewhere whilst the keepers cleaned up the mess.

She did not miss Galinda’s cheeky glance in her direction at Madame Morrible’s request. “Oh that won't be any trouble at all, Madame Morrible” Galinda delighted in saying.

“Yes, just like that Elphie”

And she was hastily drawn back to the present, her hands absently working the shampoo into Galinda’s locks as she sighed, sinking further into the tub.

Hoping to restore them to their usual excellence, Elphaba had offered to help. Or rather, she felt obligated to as there was just no question about it after she'd seen Glinda’s distraught expression once she'd caught sight of herself in the mirror.

It was later on that evening when they were laying together in the safety of Elphaba’s bed that Galinda noticed she wasn't the only one in need of aid.

“I wish you'd said something, dearest Elphie,” Galinda stated, her expression solemn as she straddled Elphaba’s laying form. She was carefully rubbing in the ointment onto where her friend’s green skin distressed under her jaw, and it was delightfully sweet how she leaned in ever so close to make sure she was doing it right, her face scrunched up in concentration.

“Don't worry yourself, my sweet” Elphaba replied, her hand coming up to stroke Galinda’s damp hair.

Galinda’s brows creased and her bottom lip protruded and whilst that sometimes was part of her dramatic display of charm and grace, at present it signified an annoyance and though Elphaba could only see the crown of her hair from where the blonde lay, she knew from the way she tensed against her body that she'd said the wrong thing.

“I shall just have to hide my worry from you in that case, because what you're demanding is impossible.” She declared, stubbornly and rather exasperatedly. Despite the edge of irritation in her voice, she still spoke paradoxically softly. It was a juxtaposition of the highest order and Elphaba couldn't quite understand how she could speak to her so gently yet still be tangibly upset.

She felt Galinda take a grounding breath, hot air tickled her neck, before she looked up to meet Elphaba’s eyes.

“I hurt you and I never want to do that… ” Despite the unmistakable earnestness in her voice, she was trailing off hesitantly, and suddenly eye contact felt an awful lot overwhelming to her. Her gaze shifted around the room but only momentarily before she settled back on familiar sage again. Elphaba could see the moment she steeled herself to say whatever it was she was so evidently struggling to come out with.

“Never again”

And Elphaba felt the wind being knocked out of her. The implication, resounding.

As time had passed and passed again, it felt like the expiration date for broaching this particular subject had come and gone; And truthfully? Elphaba had decided long ago that she preferred it this way.

“I was truly horrid to you.” Galinda began and Elphaba could do nothing to hide her knee-jerk grimace. She could have dealt with this conversation perfectly well, before they had to go and get themselves entwined. Now, it felt uncomfortable, like an imposter encroaching on the space they'd created together; a space that she cherished as the single place she could afford to let her guard down without fearing she'd be ambushed.

“Am I making you uncomfortable, Elphie?” Galinda asked concernedly, ever attentive.

The very thought of Galinda remembering those memories she'd worked so tirelessly to forget made her sick to her stomach. It served as a reminder that even the one person in this world who treated her like she had value and worth hadn't always seen her that way. The mere notion of having to listen whilst Galinda revisited those memories, had her jittery with trepidation. Perhaps Galinda would realize that her previous judgements were right all along.

As if she could hear her very thoughts, Galinda spoke up.

“What are you thinking?... Talk to me, my love” Galinda whispered, her voice trembling and Elphaba had never once seen this sort of discomposure in her demeanour.

“I sincerely hope you aren't letting that feverish beautiful mind of yours run away with all sorts of untruths” It was said like a plea, like the words stood before her on their knees begging her to understand.

Elphaba tried for an explanation that would even be able to half describe all the manner of thoughts in her head.

“I need you,” is what ended up coming out in a choked, broken sob. Elphaba instantly wished she could swallow the unintentional display of desperation as soon as it left her lips. Alas, she could do nothing but wait and hope that her vulnerability would be matched.

Galinda was quick to rush in–sensing this on an intuitive level–her delicate fingers cupping along Elphie’s jaw.

“Oh darling, I need you” It was a hurried reassurance but no less true, and it gave Elphaba no chance to let her intrusive thoughts wander.

Galinda moved her forehead to meet Elphaba’s, seeking a closeness that she knew they both needed. Her nose nudged against viridescent skin but she didn't dare make a move yet, not without the reassurance she needed.

“Do you forgive me?” Galinda whispered, tentatively. A question that held the weight of many months’ change and growth, that she only hoped Elphaba saw too.

Galinda felt the next response more than she heard it, hot breath speaking so near her own lips… “My sweet, I forgave you long ago”

Gently, yet with an undeniable fervor, she kissed green lips. Impossibly paradoxical, like she always was. Her sweet Galinda who moaned hushed saccharine words into her mouth between kisses. “My angel” “My beloved” “Perfect” Each chant becoming impossibly higher as Galinda didn't dare part lips despite her breaths growing short. Now she knew what it felt like to be so intertwined with another person, her person, she couldn't possibly ever give it up.

“Mine.” She confirmed, finally breaking the kiss only to look for the other witch's reaction. Elphaba’s eyes spoke an ardent adoration when she looked back at her, a mixture of surprise and curiosity before a single nod. Hers.

Chapter Text

Elphaba, feet firmly planted at the doorway, suddenly thought the task of waking the blonde rather impossible. A rare winter’s glow filtered through the curtains casting an angelic radiance on her dozing roommate. Where Galinda’s features ordinarily displayed a poised, intentional delicacy during the day, in sleep–when all obligations and commitments fell away–it was just Galinda in a manner of sheer unguardedness. She was still delicate in sleep–because how could she not–but this unconscious elegance was explicitly raw and it made Elphaba’s heart flutter with an uncharacteristic fondness.

It wasn't that Elphaba lacked the forenamed emotion, but rather her fondness was felt for things as opposed to people (bar her sister and, newly, Galinda). It was a reciprocal response born naturally from the unabating years of social isolation she endured. But as she neared her bed and the sleeping figure curled upon it, she considered that perhaps that was no longer the life written for her? That, by some unexplainable turn of events, the unnamed God above had blessed her with a companion– dare she say lover, even?

It was all still very new, and a discussion was yet to take place, but Elphaba was fairly confident in the knowledge that Galinda had an affinity for her– a feeling she was experiencing for the first time, she realised. It was exhilarating to witness Galinda’s increasing affection for her, but equally, the notion terrified her and for more reasons than one.

It wouldn't be untrue to say that this new found territory was difficult to navigate and it certainly had Elphaba endlessly questioning her every action, cross-referencing it with any image of romanticism she'd ever encountered. She even found herself thinking back to what little she could remember of her mother and fathers’ relationship, though she wasn't convinced that they were a credible pillar of representation.

“You ARE doing good, Elphie” Galinda had reassured when Elphaba had explained her concerns about their… liaison? She'd made a point of refraining from any big and resounding words about the nature of their relationship, mostly out of fear that she'd misunderstood this whole affair. And even when Galinda’s interest developed and her touches became increasingly intimate, Elphaba’s reservations remained. It would be utterly crippling if Galinda had decided the next morning that it were all a mistake, spurred by the throes of an unthinking passion; Or worse, she'd be so revolted by the sight of green that she would leave in the midst of it.

That was another reason Elphaba found herself so terrified: She couldn't move past her own self-deprecating inclinations. Accordingly, she found herself denying the intimacy that she–and Galinda, it would seem–craved and with a wordless, subtle rejection, she denied all the blonde’s advances.

It didn't fail to cross her mind that, soon enough, Galinda would tire from her constant rejection. She couldn't determine which action scared her the least: Committing herself fully to this affiliation… or not, and watching as Galinda, rightfully, walked away.

The fears that riddled her on any Monday only plunged her deeper into a greater fear on a Friday, and so the never-ending, paralysing cycle was born. So often she found herself deliberating tirelessly over which course of action to take.

Here she was doing it now!

Shaking her head, Elphaba banished those thoughts for now and focused on the task at hand.

Stepping closer to the blonde, she could see the freckles that littered her cheeks that otherwise would have been efficiently concealed by layers of familiar makeup. Elphaba didn't see why she wore it at all, in all truthfulness. Her lips had a natural tint to them–made ever more exuberant by biting kisses whenever the two had the chance–and her skin was smooth and polished akin to porcelain, which only served to aid and abet her perfect public perception.

It's true that there was a part of her that lamented Galinda’s felt necessity to uphold this absurd image of perfection, but there was something profound about the knowledge that she was, perhaps, the only person to see her in this intimacy.

Elphaba leant down to place a gentle kiss to her forehead, sweeping away the strands that fell across her face; Galinda didn't stir. Ever so tenderly, she let her fingers travel from her hairline to her jaw, tracing her features as she went. With the blonde’s face now in her hand, she manoeuvred her chin to the side allowing her access to her cheek and stamped it with a more decided kiss. She watched intently, as a familiar dimple appeared, but it just as quickly disappeared almost as if it were an unconscious reflex.

It was.

The other witch remained in the dream-world, and if the subtle curve of her lips indicated anything, it would seem that far-world was treating her quite well. Decidedly, Elphaba deemed it terribly unfair to prise her from her spirited imagination untimely and so with a tender stroke to her soft cheek, Elphaba departed.

She couldn't help but wonder–hope, even– that her alternate self also graced whatever realm Galinda was in presently, as she stole one last glance off the sleeping witch.

***

Eyes still shut, Galinda turned her head to where Elphaba ordinarily lay. She says ordinarily, but she's never actually witnessed the other witch sleeping there. Sure, they inhabit the same bed these days but Elphaba is up before the cock crows dawn, so their mornings never seem to align. And at dark, despite some semblance of a routine establishing itself, the opportunity once again escapes Galinda with their nights often seeing Elphaba comfortably perched against the headboard, book in one hand, whilst the other worked on the blonde head in her lap until soft snores fill the quiet.

It occurred to Galinda, in hazy first thoughts, that she'd never actually seen Elphaba sleeping.

And today wasn't going to be the day that changed that, she realized, as she opened her eyes and was met with the usual empty expanse of bed. It was positively silly how she would wake every morning to a niggling anticipation-- the automatic bodily response ignited before she'd even manage to clear her unconscious haze.

Slowly, timidly, she'd peek an eye open, always bracing herself for the inevitable disappointment and as always she'd be, begrudgingly, greeted by it.

She dearly wished to wake up to Elphie in their bed every morning, and whilst she usually possessed a fierce candour, she hesitated to reveal this particular desire to Elphaba. Oz knew that she asked enough of her, and the last thing she wanted was to scare the girl off before they'd even really begun whatever this was.

Galinda didn't doubt that Elphaba was well versed on any matter–the green witch was remarkable–so it felt awfully unnatural to coddle her here but if there was anything Galinda excelled in more than her friend it was the matters of the heart. There lay Elphaba’s weakness–her sole short-coming.

Galinda found that loving Elphaba–because that's what this undisclosed thing was–was rather effortless and it came to her as easily as being good.

Elphaba, on the other hand, in a predictable state of self-deprecation, thought herself to be none of those things. Not good. And definitely not lovable. That did complicate things awfully, but if Galinda was good at one thing, besides the complexities of romanticism, it was being immovable when faced with adversity.

Everyone knows Galinda Arduenna Upland gets what she wants.

But very few know that she, oftentimes, is the agent of this well-known fact. It doesn't always come easily, oh no, Galinda has had to learn the ways of getting her heart's every desire. There's a resilience required to achieve such a feat, one she's consciously adapted over time (though people tend to confuse it with stubbornness) and Oz, is she grateful for the skill now!?

Elphaba, as brilliant as she is, can prove to be quite a complex equation when placed in situations that require her to exhibit an earnest vulnerability. To anyone else, the constant self doubt that requires repeated reassurance or the never-ending rejection that necessitates an utmost patience… well it would be enough to make anyone flee.

Not Galinda though.

She's more than happy to quell all those doubts, no matter how often they arise and she is hardly discouraged from trying again after a fresh rejection.

”You're still doing good” Galinda had murmured into her neck one night, after Elphaba had maneuvered her from her straddled position atop of her. Guilt marred her expression, and Galinda hated that the other witch could ever feel inclined to apologise for not being able to take things further.

“You're so good to me” She'd reassured, punctuating it with a kiss to a protruding viridescent collarbone.

She couldn't say she was shocked to be met with a rebuttal, but it pained her all the same; Her roommate had said–with a certainty that broke the blonde’s heart– that she was NOT good.

“I can't give you what you need”

“I don't need that, we don't ever need to…”

“It's not that!” Elphaba interjected. “Not just that,” She amended, under her breath after a moment.

Galinda caught on to this wordless insecurity easily. It wasn't the intimacy, that was just the catalyst. Or the scapegoat, more accurately. It concealed a greater inhibition that had, callously, snaked its way, uninvited, into the marvellous mind of her lover. A pulsing voice that told Elphaba she wasn't good enough. Galinda is aware that the insecurity surely had existed for a long time–possibly forever, though she couldn't bear to ponder on that thought. But for some unfathomable reason, Elphaba’s assertion had metamorphosed from ‘not good enough’ to ‘not good enough for her’.

If anything, Galinda felt herself to be the deficient subject in their twosome; The other woman was green for crying out loud! There was just no competing, Galinda assessed.

It may be fruitless to attempt to convince Elphaba of this, but she'd be damned if she didn't try each and every time.

“You are what I need, Elphie. You're spectacularific just as you are. You need not change for anyone… and if someone so much as implies it, I will… I
I will… uh..”

Galinda’s brows crease in concentration and that Oz-awfully adorable pout makes an appearance as she searches for her words.

“Ah! I will hex them… Yes, yes, that's what I shall do. I will hex them so terrifyably that they wouldn't be able to think straight for days. Hexes to them all!!” Galinda all but squeals, too wound up for her own good, but nonetheless it makes Elphaba’s lips quirk up in a smile that she's not quite resisting.

It's times like these, where Galinda makes her so unfathomably happy to the point where her worries cease for a single suspended moment, that Elphaba supposes love isn't so difficult after-all.

Chapter Text

Galinda’s newly discovered revelation seemed to weigh heavy on her mind– more than she'd expected it would. The thought, vexingly, turned over in her mind any time she had a lone moment to herself.

In fact, recently, the affliction had seeped its way into the other, and all, parts of her life. She found herself dwelling on it during lectures, mulling it over at canteen lunch and reflecting on it in the quiet of the library while her books lay neglected.

She'd never seen Elphie sleep!

Her incessant thoughts had become so stretched that she even found herself entertaining the possibility that her roommate was a vampire.

For one, she was positively certain they existed; Her granny had told her the tales of such people; The mystifying anti-socialites, who lurked in the safety of an indoor haven, unyielding at the thought of going out.

Elphie fit the description.

Not to mention, she's sure she'd heard some version of the folklore that alleged they were weakened by running water.

“Elphie?”

She peered up from her book, and turned to look at the cross legged Galinda on the opposite bed.

“How do you feel about garlic?”

“Garlic?” She hesitated briefly, only perturbed by the sporadic question for a second before she was reminded it was Galinda whom she was speaking to, and there was nothing one-dimensional about her line of questioning… ever.

“Indifferent” She decided, gaze returning to her book before the word was fully in the air.

There was a pregnant pause before Elphaba spoke again–

“Although, I've been told that I was born with a full set of very sharp teeth,” Elphaba added, speaking the words into her book.

A knowing smirk played on her lips however, and she was quickly flashing a glance toward Galinda who, upon green eyes meeting her wide ones, gave an indignant squeak and her line of sight quickly retreated to the journal splayed on her bed.

Whether it was her impish response, or simply the fact she'd uncovered Galina’s motives that had the blonde ruffled, she didn't know. But it pleased her all the same to draw out such a flustered response. It was remarkably endearing, Elphaba thought.

Vampires weren't famously green, Galinda had later on concluded, in what was a decided effort to not dwell on that particular train of thought.

Still, that didn't cease her mind’s unruly investigation.

It had become an undertaking of sorts– a mission to wake up before Elphaba did. Galinda was nothing short of competitive–it worked concurrently with her acute desire to get whatever she pleased–even if said ‘competition’ wasn't actually aware that there was one.

Elphaba remained blissfully ignorant to her roommate’s scheming.

Well, no that's not entirely true…

***

Thursdays were always a hectic day for Elphaba. It was back-to-back classes finishing at four, only to have Morrible’s solo seminar and an evening sparring practice to end the day, for which Galinda would join her.

But only after a virtually free day.

Galinda ended classes at eleven on Thursdays, which was perfectly splendid for her, as it left her heaps of time to have her weekly self-pamper.

Elphaba never quite knew what to expect when she walked into their dormitory on a Thursday afternoon to drop off her books and retrieve her training wand ahead of her sorcery seminar.

Sometimes Galinda would be at the desk occupied with the task of painting her nails. She'd often ask Elphaba to pick, from marginally different shades of white, the colour of her french tip.

Other times, Galinda would be stretched out on the deck chair on the balcony, sunglasses perched on her nose and magazine in hand. “It's February” Elphaba had once pointed out, only to realize too late that Galinda had taken the observation rather personally. And hence, that night, Elphaba had to endure a lecture duly titled by the blonde: ‘Why sun-bathing in the winter is still necessary to achieve the perfect complexion’.

On one occasion, one very memorable occasion, Elphaba had entered their shared living space to find the witch moisturising herself, a seemingly inoffensive task, but not if you're Galinda Upland.

She had taken to wearing nothing but a two-piece lace pink set. The camisole clung to her petite figure alluringly and the thin straps framed her delicate shoulders perfectly. The matching pink ribbons that tied loosely together created a series of charming bows that left a line of scandalocious gaps right through the middle, the snowy skin of her stomach peeking through. The shorts, more akin to panties, left very little to the imagination and Galinda surely did make certain of this. Her bare legs were on full view, one stretched out on the plush comforter whilst the other was bent at the knee, giving the blonde a good angle to apply a shimmering lotion to it.

The older witch’s stomach fluttered and her heart leapt out of her chest, clamouring to make a move to the source of its excitement. Elphaba, in stark contrast, found herself helplessly anchored to the door. She willed herself to continue as normal, to just take a step into the room, even–to do anything but gawk, pathetically, at the scene before her.

Then Galinda’s inviting gaze met hers in a time-suspending moment and she found her feet moving of their own accord towards the pink bed.

But as brown eyes narrowed with a sly glint, peering up at her from behind big lashes, Elphaba once again found herself rooted to the centre of the room, her feet no longer in compliance. A playful smile tugged at Galinda’s lips at the sight of the other witch, who was flushing a darker shade of green by every passing second.

“I was rather hoping you'd stop by,” Galinda professed, her voice dripping with a sultry timbre that Elphaba hadn't heard before.

She could do nothing to conceal her surprise, breath hitching as she fought for anything to say, her mouth opened but–for once–words failed her and she promptly closed her lips, slightly mortified at her hopeless response.

This wasn't the reaction Galinda hoped for, and she made quick work of reaching Elphaba, largely concerned that she'd unsettled her.

“Don't worry Elphie, I'm only teasing” She reassured, her voice adopting her usual gentle tone that she took with Elphaba when they were alone. Her hand settled on a blazer-clad elbow, an innocuous gesture, and she noticed Elphaba settle slightly.

“Besides, I wouldn't dare attempt to part you from your beloved classes.” Galinda complained playfully, as she released her hold on Elphaba’s arm.

But before she could turn away, Elphaba’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“You could,” The implication, resounding.

Galinda met Elphaba’s deep pine eyes, searching. She tried to conceal the rising hope from her gaze. She didn't want to scare off Elphaba in the wake of this ostensible development.

“I would.. I mean” Elphaba tried again.

It definitely came out more assertive than prior, and Galinda fervently tried to fan down the flames of her desire. She couldn't let herself get swept up by this assent just yet. In fact, she knew she couldn't until all was said and done because, no matter how far along they got, Elphaba always had the right to withdraw and Galinda would do everything in her power to cultivate that safe space for her. So as optimistic as she was, she continued with no expectations.

“Right” Galinda whispered, nodding slightly with a tilted head as her brows furrowed in surprise.

Elphaba was looking at her, like really looking. This was new. Her gaze fell lower, her eyes raked over every curve in a slow and meticulous fashion and when she peered back up at her, there was a new longing behind her eyes. It wasn't ravaging or salacious, but it was hungry in a perfectly unobtrusive way and Galinda hadn't known she could love Elphaba more than she already did. This was different to how any man had ever looked at her before.

Then Elphaba was gingerly reaching out to pull her closer, uncertain fingertips landing on her waist. And Galinda couldn't stop the hitch of her breath, her eyes fluttering shut at the touch. Her own hands found the ones on her waist in an attempt to embolden the touch, and she didn't restrain a whimper at Elphaba’s wordless understanding of her prompt, her green hands pressing more confidently into pale waist.

“Tell me I'm pretty” She keened, embarrassingly desperate.

Not missing a beat, Elphaba obeyed; “Immeasurably so, my sweet” She all but cooed, and the blonde’s knees almost buckled at the speed and certainty of her response.

Regaining some composure, Galinda rewarded Elphaba with a kiss to her jaw, her arms gently coming up to rest on the structured shoulders of her blazer, crossing around the back of them.

Galinda was well aware of her unmet sexual desires, but in this moment it became apparent that she wasn't after sex, not with Elphaba. Sex was simply an ephemeral pleasure to satiate those ningling desires and wants; That's how she'd approached it previously, at least.

When… if Elphaba would allow her, it couldn't be just that. Not anymore. It would unfold as a magnificent consummation of all this unbidden love that they'd reared so tenderly, so carefully. Their connection wasn't something that was simply handed to them, it was the culmination of long hard tending and nourishing and learning and Oz knows it hasn't been easy. So yes, if Galinda was ever granted such a privilege, it would be more than just sex.

And, against her better judgement, she was voicing this in a hurried declaration; “I want to make love to you, Elphie” She sighed in one quick breath.

Her hand clamped down against her mouth at an alarming speed once she'd registered what she'd just said, but not faster than Elphaba was backing away, her widened eyes made clear her disquietedness. It was only a few steps but the distance felt deceptively large as Galinda tried to swallow her shame to no avail. Heat was rapidly creeping through her trembling form, flushing her cheeks a deep crimson. Her breath faltered, as she tried to keep the threatening tears at bay. She tried for words, but all that came out was cut off chokes.

So she did the only thing she knew she could manage, and just prayed she was making the right choice.

Timidly, she took a step forward watching for any adverse reactions from the other, and when she was met with none, she continued cautiously closer.

She couldn't quite find it in herself to bridge the gap between them, but as it so happened she didn't need to. Elphaba was already reaching for her, pulling the blonde’s bare arms in to wrap around her waist, her own arms looping around shoulders securely. Galinda tried to swallow down the sobs that bubbled up her throat at the sight of such a selfless gesture; Because Oz knew she'd already dramafied the whole situation enough that Elphaba was the one comforting her despite it being her own impediment that landed them here in the first place!

“I'm sorry,” She mumbled into her chest, dabbing at her tears before they could fall, fearful of transferring any and hurting the other witch any more than she likely already had.

“It's okay,” Elphaba replied, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

Her words were earnest, not simply an mechanical response to an apology, and Galinda would relish in the knowledge that their hard-work had not been undone by her lapse of judgement, but she was finding it next to impossible not to berate herself for such senselessness.

“Just maybe, next time, lead up to such bold declarations, my love.”

Galinda let out a small chuckle at Elphie’s good natured attempt to humour her, if only to show she appreciated the gesture.

“I'll let you head to class” Galinda announced with a solemn smile, as she slid her hand down from where it had settled on Elphaba's chest. But before she could fully untangle herself, Elphaba caught her hand with her soft green ones.

Galinda turned around, curious eyes meeting a waiting verdant.

Slowly, without breaking eye contact, Elphaba brought the small fair hand to her mouth and connected lips to palm in a tender, unhurried kiss.

Taken aback, Galinda’s gaze searched Elphaba’s, her expression mildly tentative as though she wasn't sure if she was doing this right. She looked at Galinda expectantly, almost like she was waiting for feedback. It didn't bother the smaller witch in the slightest and, actually, it was rather endearing to see her trying. It was certainly a step up from the Elphaba of not-so-long-ago, who didn't dare make any doubt-inducing moves, too caught up by the voice in her head that yelled and yelled “not good enough”. Galinda hoped that this new found confidence, was in part, due to her reassurance and doting. Because at the end of the day she, too, was just a girl trying her best.

Mostly, however, what Galinda saw in this moment reflected back at her in those pools of emerald was an undisguised, tangible love. Her green glare spoke only of adoration and Galinda didn't know what she did to deserve such forgiveness.

“We can try again later?” Elphaba asked, hopeful.

“Wha-? Yeah… Yes, of course we can.” Galinda stammered, surprised at the speed at which Elphaba’s willingness returned.

She let herself exist in their shared eye contact for a moment longer; Not quite ready to break this moment and not quite sure when she'd next be bestowed with such a look of longing. She smiled at the green witch, and was assured when she received a reciprocated upturn of lips back.

Knowing her time was up and Elphaba didn't have long for her seminar, she fought off a sigh as she prepared to speak.

The hours till spar practice suddenly seemed infinitely long.

“Shoo shoo before Madame Morrible finds some utterly questionifiyable way to blame me for your unpunctuality!” Galinda complained dramatically, swatting Elphaba in the direction of the door, in what was perhaps an overcompensated attempt at concealing her heart’s disappointment at being seperated.

“But are you not?” Elphaba replied, signature smirk playing on her lips as she let herself be herded out.

“She needn't know that!” Galinda countered, with an equally smug smile that Elphaba felt against her lips as Galinda pushed up on her tiptoes to peck her out the door.

That was a week ago, and neither of them had broached the subject since then, but there was many an encounter that brimmed with the unsaid. Neither dared to be the first to touch that wire, though, charged at either end and positively electric if touched.

They could simply just box it off, stick it with a ‘TBD’ label, and send it off on its way. And that's exactly what they did. Sure, the rope was taut enough it could snap, but that's only if they consorted with it–an unspoken prohibition. Otherwise, they existed content in each other's company and life continued as per the routine they'd wordlessly established.

“Galinda, I was thinking- oh!”

That was not part of their routine?

Elphaba placed her satchel down beside the door as she entered their room and hesitantly approached Galinda’s bed. The witch lay asleep under the comforter, her expression serene and she let out small breaths through her mouth. All together, she looked an image of peacefulness and Elphaba wouldn't be worried was it not for the fact she knew Galinda did not nap.

Napping, the blonde had decided, disturbed the flow of the beautification process and resulted in an abundance of “abhorrent” defects to her natural state of perfection. Or, simply, as Elphaba preferred, Galinda was too capricious to be able to take naps even if she so pleased.

Habituating with her made her disposed to Galinda’s natural state of existence which she could only describe as ‘jumping off the walls’. She only just about managed to rein it in and remodel it into something that fit her ‘prim and proper’ reputation when public-facing. But when it was just Elphaba and she, her free spirit was left unbridled.

Hence why Elphaba was so worried at the sight of the blonde napping before the sun had even gone down.

“Galinda” She tried, as she gently shook the blonde.

“Wha-?” She awoke, startled yet still dazed.

“Are you okay? Are you sick?” Elphaba asked in a rapid fire questioning, that left the blonde even more disorientated. The back of Elphaba’s palm was suddenly invading her space, reaching out to touch both cheeks and then her forehead. “You've not got a temperature… ” Elphaba assessed, but her voice still sounded investigative.

“No, Elphie, stop it, I'm fine” Galinda assured after a moment of collecting herself. She batted Elphaba’s prying hands away.

“I can stay here with you if you want, I'll tell Morrible tha-”

“Elphie, look at me,” She paused, waiting for her roommate to comply, and once those radiant eyes were on her, still inspecting concernedly, she took her face in her hands and pressed a chaste kiss to viridescent lips. “I'm fine… really,” There was another press of lips as confirmation and when Elphaba looked at her with that adorably unconvinced but placated expression, she had to kiss her once more for good measure.

“Are you going to tell me why you're napping in the middle of the day?” Elphaba’s eyebrow arched in that stern, domineering way that never failed to fluster Galinda.

“Well, it's hardly mid-day, Elphie, it's four!” Galinda giggled, knowing she was going to get reprimanded for steering “besides the point”.

Clearly unamused, Elphaba disregarded her observation, and continued with her previous line of questioning. “Well, are you?” She pressed.

Galinda pretended to consider it for a moment, like the good, courteous person she is.

“No… No, I don't think I will, Miss Elphaba”

She couldn't possibly soil her plan so early on! In all truthfulness, this napping business was just a part of her intricately measured methodology. She had decided to tackle this investigation (if you will) with the utmost seriousness and diligence.

Galinda didn't do things by halves.

Her reasoning here was that, if she had a long enough nap during the day, she'll get restless by the early hours of the morning and succeed in her desired result of being the first awake.

So, as much as it pained her to withhold secrets from Elphaba, it was all for good educational purposes. This was the initial trial phase, for all intents and purposes.

Galinda, at least, had the good decency to try to look remorseful as she rejected Elphaba–not that it mattered anyway because it ended up looking more mocking than earnest, and needless to say that put a scowl on a certain green face.

“Oh, darling, don't scrunch your pretty face up like that. It's rather unbecoming, I must say.”

“I'll show you unbecoming,” Elphaba threatened emptily. What she was threatening, she wasn't even quite sure of herself and she knew she sounded stupid. She wasn't usually this verbally inept, in fact she was infamously the opposite, but something about Galinda disarmed her completely. Even in their initial “loathing”, she found herself struggling for any witty defence at Galinda’s jibes, often resigning to a simple glare.

“No you won't, my love” Galinda chuckled, shaking her head knowingly. “Now come here and give me a kiss, then hurry to class.”

With barely a second thought, she was leaning down to meet her lips in a brief smooch.

There it was again! Galinda could render her completely docile at times. The only save and grace, in Elphaba’s mind, being that sometimes she managed to turn the tables–but not nearly as much, and usually unintentionally so who's to say it counted at all? Oz, it was maddening to no end!

“So good, my Elphie” Galinda whispered against her lips as she pulled away and it sent a flush to Elphaba’s cheeks instantaneously.

She had to admit she liked to hear those words on the tongue of her lover. It wasn't something she was told often, but even still, she couldn't imagine it having the same effect if anyone else were to say it. Galinda told it to her like she meant it, like she really was so good and not only did it send flutters to her stomach, but it also–just for a moment–silenced that voice in her head.

***

Mist spread thinly across the campus grounds like a subtle veil that softened the edges of towering structures and imposing trees; Frost delicately touched every surface it could, from the grassy courts to the paved walkways that led the ways through Shiz. In the west-side tower of Crage Hall, light probes through the windows of Elphaba and Galinda’s shared room. White streaks infiltrate that darkened space in Galinda’s unconscious vision and she was, reflexively, throwing an arm over her eyes in a sleepy attempt to shield herself from the merciless glow of first light.

First light?

Galinda startles up bolt-right, her head whipping to the space beside her. Her brows crease as she finds the space vacant, and her head tilts a fraction as if to really comprehend… the empty bed? Elphaba’s not entirely sure what it is that Galinda is so fixated on as watches her from the ajar door of the bathroom, mildly puzzled. Deciding this was too intriguing to miss out on, Elphaba abandons her toothbrush in favour of getting a better look at whatever was occurring.

She watches intently as Galinda skates a hand over the crumpled sheets, her fingers passively flex a few times, and it's clear she's deep in thought.

“How confusifying… ” She finally utters to herself.

“What is?” Elphaba questions.

Galinda jumps, a hand flying to her chest, as she catches her breath.

“Oz, Elphie, you mustn't do that!” Galinda begins, “You know how I startle” She reprimands.

And then she's taking in the sight of Elphaba, nonchalant, as she leans against the ensuite door-frame. But more notably, she's dressed and styled for the day.

“You've been up for a while” She remarks, pointedly.

“Well observed,” Elphaba chuckles, “You haven't” She states, equally as obtuse, and Galinda wants to make some snarky retort about that being obvious, but Elphaba’s retreating back to the bathroom leaving Galinda alone in the room.

A moment passes before she hears a voice from the bathroom: “I only say that because you might want to give it some thought. It's quarter to.” Her shit-eating grin was almost audible.

Galinda’s eyes widened at that revelation and she almost toppled out of the bed in her haste.

“Elphie, Oz damn it, why didn't you wake me up earlier?”