Emerald Fog

Dear Elphaba,

I promised I’d write to you if there was any trouble and I like to keep my word. As you expected, the comments and childishness started the very next day. Some of it coming from her very own friends. I know you are probably wanting to come here and fix things, but hear me out. Galinda is doing just fine. You’d be amazed at how well she’s handled everything so far. You don’t need to worry about her, though I know you will anyway.

Let me tell you what happened. The whispers started almost immediately after people figured out that you two were together. At first, I thought Galinda might try to ignore it or laugh it off, the way people like her are often taught to deal with these things. But instead, she faced it head-on. She stood up for herself and for you.

She didn’t just silence them, Elphaba. She made it clear that she wasn’t ashamed of your relationship and that she wasn’t going to tolerate anyone insulting you. I’ve never seen anything like it. She shut the entire dining hall up with a single speech. You’d have been so proud.

I’ll admit, watching her made me realize how much I’ve failed you in the past. I spent so many years staying quiet while others hurt you, convincing myself I couldn’t do anything. But Galinda? She’s everything I should have been for you. I can’t change the past, but seeing her fight for you like that, I knew I had to tell you how lucky you are. She’s a keeper, Elphaba. Don’t let her go.

Speaking of which, and this is where I’m going to start giving you some sisterly advice, whether you like it or not…you should let her know how much you appreciate her. You’ve never been one for romance (let’s be honest, you can be as subtle as a flying house), but this is your girlfriend, Elphaba. Someone who clearly adores you and is willing to face down an entire school for you. The least you can do is show her that you’re thinking of her.

My suggestion? Flowers. Yes, I know you probably just rolled your eyes, but hear me out. She’d love it. Send her something sweet, something thoughtful. Bonus points if they’re her favorite kind. And if you’re not sure what her favourite kind is because knowing you, you’ve probably been too focused on your music to ask, pick something cheerful and bright, like her. I’d say pink roses. Trust me on this.

Now, about Friday. Galinda and I are already planning to come and watch you at the Ozdust, but I had another idea.

Why not surprise her and stay the weekend at Shiz? You’re always running off the second your commitments are done, but wouldn’t it be nice to spend some time with her? I can’t imagine anything that would make her happier. Stay until Monday, she’d be over the moon. And if you need somewhere to crash, you’re welcome to use my dorm. But let’s be real, I’m sure Galinda would much prefer to have you with her.

Let me know what you think, but Elphaba, please consider it. She cares about you so much, and I think you care about her more than you’re willing to admit out loud. Do something sweet for her. Let yourself be vulnerable for once.

You deserve this, you know. Both of you do.

Love,
Nessarose

Elphaba stared at the letter, her long fingers brushing over the words as she read it again, slower this time. Nessa’s bluntness wasn’t surprising, but the suggestion about flowers? That threw her. Romance wasn’t exactly her area of expertise, frankly, it was about as foreign to her as ballroom dancing, but the thought of Galinda’s face lighting up at the sight of flowers… That gave her pause.

And the weekend? The thought of spending three whole days with Galinda filled her with a giddy, unfamiliar excitement. It wasn’t indulgent or reckless; it was right. The idea of surprising Galinda, of watching her eyes light up when she realised Elphaba was staying longer, sent a rush of warmth through her. She already couldn’t wait.

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she folded the letter, her mind already spinning with thoughts of pink roses, lingering mornings, and a weekend that would belong entirely to them.

This time, she wouldn’t let anything pull her away too soon. Not from Galinda.

Galinda walked briskly through the halls of Crage Hall, her arms weighed down by books from her philosophy seminar. She was eager to get back to her room, her heels clicking sharply against the tile as her mind wandered. The day had been long, but the thought of unwinding in her dorm offered a small reprieve.

As she turned the corner toward her room, she froze. A man in a tidy courier uniform was standing right outside her door, holding a breathtaking bouquet of pink roses. Her eyes widened as she slowed her steps, staring at the vivid blooms in disbelief.

The courier spotted her and smiled warmly. “Miss Galinda Upland?”

“Yes?” she said, her voice uncertain as she glanced between him and the roses.

“These are for you,” he said, holding out the bouquet. Then, with a knowing grin, he added, “Someone must really like you.”

Galinda blinked, her cheeks flushing a delicate shade of pink as she reached for the flowers. “I…I suppose they must,” she murmured, her fingers grazing the silky petals as she accepted the bouquet.

“There’s a note,” the courier added, gesturing to the cream-coloured envelope nestled among the blooms.

“Galinda’s eyes moved to confirm that there was an envelope. “Thank you for bringing them.”

The courier tipped his hat and gave her a polite nod. “You’re welcome. Have a lovely evening, miss.”

As he walked away, Galinda stood frozen for a moment, staring down at the bouquet in her arms. Pink roses. Her heart fluttered, her mind already racing with the possibilities. There was only one person who could have sent them.

Carefully balancing the flowers and her books, she hurried into her room, kicking the door shut behind her with her heel. She placed the bouquet down on her desk, her fingers trembling slightly as she slid the envelope out from between the stems. Her name was written on the front in sharp, familiar handwriting.

Her pulse quickened as she unfolded the card and began to read:

Dearest Galinda,

I’m not great at things like this, so forgive me if it comes out awkward or unpolished. But I’ve been thinking about you, and I wanted you to know just how proud I am of you. Nessa told me what happened in the dining hall and honestly, it’s hard to put into words how much it meant to hear that you stood up for me, for us.

You didn’t have to do that. But you did, and not just that, you made it clear to everyone how unshakable you are. How unshakable we are. I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow I admire you even more than I already did.

Galinda let out a soft, unsteady laugh, her hand brushing over her lips as she read.

I sent these roses because…well, apparently I’m terrible at noticing small details like favourite flowers, but I thought these suited you. Cheerful, warm, elegant. Just like you.

I can’t imagine how anyone could ever look at you and think anything other than how incredible you are. Thank you, Galinda, for being exactly who you are. For being brave, for being kind, and for seeing something in me that no one else ever has.

I’ll see you Friday. I can’t wait.

Yours,
Elphaba

By the time she finished the letter, Galinda’s cheeks were flushed, her chest tight with emotion. She reread the note twice more, savoring every word.

Pink roses. Elphaba had sent her pink roses.

Galinda’s fingers grazed the velvety petals as a soft laugh escaped her. The flowers were beautiful, yes, but the thought of Elphaba carefully planning this; thinking about her, choosing these roses, and writing this note. It was the gesture itself that took her breath away.

After what felt like an eternity, it was finally Friday. The Ozdust doors had just opened and the room was much quieter than usual, as people had just begun to arrive. Elphaba sat near the edge of the stage, fiddling absentmindedly with the buttons on her coat as she waited for the performances to start. The bouquet had been delivered a few days ago, and she couldn’t help but wonder how Galinda had reacted. Had she liked the roses? Or had she found the whole gesture clumsy and overly sentimental?

She sighed, shaking her head at herself. Nessa was right…she was hopeless at this sort of thing.

Just as she was about to stand, the door to the Ozdust creaked open, and Elphaba glanced up, her heart skipping a beat. Galinda stood in the doorway, framed by the soft glow of the lanterns outside. She wasn’t supposed to be here, at least, not yet, but there she was. Her curls were perfectly styled, her lips curved into a smile that was equal parts mischievous and tender, and her dress fit her body perfectly.

In her hand, she held one of the pink roses.

Elphaba froze, her mind scrambling for words as Galinda crossed the room toward her. Her heels clicked softly against the floor, the rose spinning delicately between her fingers.

Elphaba swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “I didn’t…I mean, I wasn’t sure…did you…did you like them?”

Galinda’s smile softened, and she held the rose up between them and gently pushed the flower behind Elphaba’s ear. Her fingers traced down the back of her hair to hold on to her neck and she pulled her in for a tender kiss. She pulled away to whisper, “What do you think?”

The relief that swept through Elphaba was so strong it left her dizzy. “I…I’m glad,” she managed, her voice quieter now. “I wasn’t sure if—”

“Elphaba.” Galinda’s voice was gentle but firm, cutting through her rambling. “They were perfect. You’re perfect.”

Elphaba blinked, stunned into silence as Galinda took her free hand in her own. The warmth of her touch steadied her, grounding her in a moment that felt almost too good to be real.

“And the note,” Galinda continued, her voice dropping slightly. “I’ve never read anything so honest, so you. It meant everything.”

For once, Elphaba had no clever retort, no sarcastic quip to hide behind. She simply stared at Galinda, her chest tight with emotions she couldn’t name, let alone articulate.

“I hope you know,” Galinda went on, her thumb brushing lightly against Elphaba’s knuckles, “that I’m not going anywhere. Not now, not ever. So stop worrying, my dear Elphie.”

Hearing the nickname in Galinda’s soft, teasing tone sent a spark of warmth through Elphaba’s chest. She nodded, her lips curving into a small, unsteady smile. “Okay.”

Galinda grinned, stepping closer. “Good. Now, you’re going to walk me to a table and sit with me until it’s your turn to play.”

Elphaba couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of her. “Bossy as ever.”

“Of course,” Galinda replied, a twinkle in her eye. “How else am I supposed to keep you in line?”

And just like that, the tension dissolved, replaced by the familiar rhythm of their banter.

The night passed in a blur of soft music, warm laughter, and quiet moments shared between Elphaba and Galinda. They’d stayed close to each other all evening, their usual banter softened into something more intimate, their hands brushing occasionally under the table. When Elphaba rose to take the stage, Galinda was the first to cheer, her eyes following her every step with rapt attention. Watching Elphaba command the room, her sharp confidence radiating as her voice soared above the crowd, filled Galinda with an overwhelming sense of pride. It was a feeling she couldn’t quite put into words. This fierce admiration for the woman who could be so self-assured in front of strangers, even when she so often doubted herself in private.

When Emerald Fog played their final note and Elphaba made her way back to the table, Galinda didn’t wait. Rising to meet her, she greeted her girlfriend with a kiss that was as passionate as it was deliberate, a silent declaration to everyone in the room: this incredible woman belongs to me.

When it was finally time to leave, the walk to the dock stretched before them, illuminated by the silvery glow of moonlight. Nessa and Boq led the way, their conversation animated, but Elphaba barely noticed. Her focus was entirely on the warm, delicate hand in hers. Galinda had reached for it as they left the Ozdust, her fingers curling around Elphaba’s in a gesture that felt as natural as breathing. Elphaba hadn’t let go, her thumb brushing nervously against Galinda’s knuckles as they walked.

Galinda was quieter than usual, and though her silence wasn’t uncomfortable, it was heavy with something unspoken. When they finally reached the dock, Nessa and Boq began boarding the boat, but Galinda lingered at Elphaba’s side, turning to face her.

“So,” she began, her voice soft, almost hesitant. Her fingers tightened around Elphaba’s, as if unwilling to let go. “I suppose this is goodbye again… until next Friday.”

Elphaba opened her mouth to reply, but Galinda continued, her words rushing out in a flurry of emotion. “I hate saying goodbye to you, Elphie. I know it’s just for a week, but every time you leave, it feels longer. I keep thinking about the next time I’ll see you, and it’s…it’s just so hard. I feel like there’s never enough time with you.”

Her voice caught on the last word, and she looked down, clearly embarrassed by the sudden wave of vulnerability. Elphaba’s heart clenched at the sight, and she instinctively squeezed Galinda’s hand, her pulse racing as she realized the moment had come to say what she’d been mulling over all night.

“Well… what if you didn’t have to wait until next Friday?” she asked, her voice a little unsteady.

Galinda’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. “What do you mean?”

Elphaba hesitated, shifting nervously. Her free hand moved to rub the back of her neck, a telltale sign of her uncertainty. “I mean, how would you feel about…having a roommate until Monday?” She gestured towards the boat where Boq was grinning and holding up Elphaba’s bag and guitar that they had managed to sneak aboard.

The question hung in the air for a moment, and Elphaba rushed to fill the silence, her words tumbling over each other in her nervousness. “I mean, not that you have to say yes. I could stay with Nessa if it’s too much trouble, or if you don’t want me to—”

“Elphie, are you serious?” Galinda interrupted, her voice rising in pitch. She stepped closer, her grip on Elphaba’s hand tightening as her eyes brimmed with incredulous joy. “You mean you’re coming to Shiz for the whole weekend? Really?”

“Well, I thought I might…” Elphaba trailed off, suddenly feeling shy under the intensity of Galinda’s gaze. “But only if it’s something you’d—”

Before she could finish, Galinda let out a delighted squeal and threw her arms around Elphaba, catching her completely off guard. Elphaba stumbled slightly, but she quickly steadied herself, wrapping her arms around Galinda as the smaller girl clung to her.

“Of course I want you to stay!” Galinda exclaimed, her voice muffled against Elphaba’s shoulder. “Do you even have to ask? This is the best news I’ve heard all week!”

Elphaba barely had time to process the words before Galinda pulled back just enough to look at her, her eyes shining with happiness. And then, without warning, Galinda leaned up and kissed her. The gesture was as sudden as it was soft, Galinda’s lips warm and sure against Elphaba’s. The world around them seemed to fade, the gentle lapping of the water against the dock and the distant murmur of Nessa and Boq’s conversation falling away until all that was left was Galinda.

When they finally broke apart, Galinda was smiling so brightly it was as though she was lit from within. Her cheeks were flushed, her curls slightly disheveled, and she looked up at Elphaba with an expression of pure adoration.

“I can’t believe you’re really coming,” she said, her voice breathless but still tinged with excitement. “You have no idea how happy this makes me.”

Elphaba swallowed hard, her own cheeks warming under Galinda’s gaze. “I’m glad,” she said softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Though if you keep tackling me like that, I might not survive the weekend.”

Galinda laughed, the sound bright and carefree, and reached for Elphaba’s hand again. “No promises. Now come on, let’s get back and snuggle.”

Still a little dazed, Elphaba allowed herself to be pulled toward the boat, her heart thundering in her chest. Galinda’s joy was infectious, and as they boarded the small vessel, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of triumph.

She’d done something right, something good. And as Galinda leaned against her during the ride back to Shiz, still holding her hand and smiling to herself, Elphaba felt a quiet sense of certainty settle over her.

This weekend would be theirs. And for once, Elphaba wasn’t thinking about what might go wrong. She was thinking about Galinda. She was thinking about how, for the first time in a long time, everything felt exactly as it should be.