Chapter 14
The door to Galinda’s dorm swung open with a soft creak, and they stepped inside, fingers interlaced. Galinda’s heels clicked gently against the wooden floor as she turned back to look at Elphaba, who lingered just inside the doorway, her bag and guitar slung over one shoulder.
“You can put your bags down over there,” Galinda said lightly, nodding toward the corner near her wardrobe.
Elphaba hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded, setting it down carefully. When she straightened, their eyes met across the room, and a quiet warmth passed between them.
“Hi,” Galinda said softly, a smile tugging at her lips.
Elphaba’s expression softened as well, her nervousness melting away. “Hi.”
They didn’t say anything else at first. Instead, they moved toward each other, the space between them shrinking until they were standing so close their breaths mingled. Galinda tilted her head slightly, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned in, her lips just a whisper away from Elphaba’s. But before their mouths could meet, she paused, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Galinda whispered, her hand coming up to rest lightly against Elphaba’s chest.
Elphaba smiled, a real, unguarded smile, and before she could respond, Galinda closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a kiss that started tender but quickly deepened, their pent-up longing spilling over. Elphaba’s hands found Galinda’s waist, pulling her closer as their kiss grew more passionate, the rest of the world fading away.
Galinda’s hands moved to Elphaba’s shoulders, then slid down her arms before she gently but insistently began to guide Elphaba backward. Elphaba didn’t resist, her heart racing as she let herself be led until the backs of her knees hit Galinda’s bed. She stumbled slightly, falling onto the mattress. The movement broke their kiss for only a moment before Elphaba sat back against the headboard, followed by Galinda climbing onto the bed and straddling Elphaba’s lap.
Their lips found each other again, and this time the kiss was slower, deeper, filled with all the things they couldn’t quite put into words. Elphaba’s hands rested tentatively on Galinda’s hips at first, but as Galinda pressed closer, threading her fingers through Elphaba’s dark hair, she pulled her in with more confidence.
For a while, there was nothing but the sound of their breathing and the faint rustle of the sheets beneath them. When Galinda finally pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes shone with unspoken emotion.
“Elphie,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She ran her fingers lightly along the curve of Elphaba’s jaw, her touch so gentle it sent a shiver down Elphaba’s spine. “Thank you for coming.”
Elphaba swallowed hard, her gaze locked on Galinda’s. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Galinda smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Elphaba’s forehead before resting her own against it. “Good,” she said, her voice teasing but warm. “Because you’re not leaving until Monday.”
Elphaba laughed quietly, her hands sliding up to rest lightly on Galinda’s back. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Her green fingers brushed a stray curl from Galinda’s face.“This weekend is yours, Galinda. Ours.”
For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Galinda leaned forward, resting her head against Elphaba’s shoulder as she let out a contented sigh. Elphaba’s arms wrapped around her instinctively, holding her close.
Galinda tilted her head up from Elphaba’s shoulder, her gaze soft and slightly drowsy as she smiled. “Elphie,” she began gently, her voice still tinged with the breathlessness of their kisses, “it’s late… we should get ready for bed.”
Elphaba nodded, her lips quirking into a faint smile. “Yeah, probably a good idea,” she said softly, glancing at her bag resting near the wardrobe.
Galinda stepped back, her fingers brushing lightly against Elphaba’s arm before she moved toward her vanity. “I suppose you brought something to sleep in?” she asked, looking over her shoulder with a teasing smile. “Or were you planning to sleep in all that?” She gestured toward Elphaba’s fitted blouse and slacks.
Elphaba smirked, reaching into her bag. “I came prepared,” she said, pulling out a neatly folded set of simple black cotton sleep clothes. “No need to worry.”
Galinda tilted her head and gave her a mischievous grin. “Hmm, that’s a shame,” she said lightly, turning back toward her mirror. “If you hadn’t brought anything, you could have just slept without this on.” Her voice dipped slightly on the last word, her hand gesturing in a vague circle toward Elphaba’s current outfit.
Elphaba froze mid-step, her face turning a deeper shade of green. “Galinda,” she muttered, her tone somewhere between exasperated and flustered as she looked down to avoid Galinda’s twinkling gaze.
Galinda turned fully now, clearly delighted by Elphaba’s reaction. “Oh, don’t blush, Elphie,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with laughter. “I’m only joking.”
“Barely,” Elphaba muttered, though her lips quirked into a small, shy smile as she clutched her sleep clothes. “I’ll be right back.”
Galinda giggled softly as Elphaba turned and disappeared into the adjoining bathroom, her steps just a little hurried.
A few moments later, Elphaba returned, now dressed in her sleepwear. The loose black pants and simple long-sleeved shirt hung comfortably on her frame, and her dark hair was left down, framing her face.
Galinda’s grin softened into a warm smile as her eyes swept over Elphaba. “Well,” she said lightly, stepping closer, “you still look gorgeous. But I stand by my original suggestion.”
Elphaba raised a brow but couldn’t suppress her shy smile. “You’re relentless,” she said, shaking her head.
“Only when it comes to you,” Galinda replied brightly.
Once Galinda had finished her night time routine, she took Elphaba’s hand and led her toward the bed. They climbed under the soft sheets, settling into each other’s arms as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Galinda nestled herself against Elphaba’s side, resting her head on Elphaba’s shoulder, while Elphaba instinctively wrapped an arm around her.
For a while, they lay there in peaceful silence, the room filled only with the faint rustling of the blankets and the sound of their steady breathing. Then Galinda tilted her head up, her expression tender as she looked at Elphaba.
“Elphie?” she murmured.
“Hmm?”
“I’m glad you’re here,” Galinda said softly, her fingers tracing light patterns on the back of Elphaba’s hand. “You make everything feel… right.”
Elphaba’s throat tightened, and she turned her gaze to meet Galinda’s, her green eyes shimmering with emotion. “You’re the one who makes it feel right,” she said quietly. “You… you see me. And I’ve never had that before.”
Galinda’s lips curved into a soft smile, and she reached up to brush her fingertips along Elphaba’s jaw. “I always will,” she promised.
Elphaba exhaled slowly, her hand tightening gently around Galinda’s. “You’re incredible,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Galinda leaned up and pressed a tender kiss to Elphaba’s jaw. “So are you,” she replied.
Elphaba shook her head slightly, her smile shy. “Goodnight, Galinda,” she said, resting her cheek against the top of Galinda’s head.
“Goodnight, Elphie,” Galinda whispered, snuggling closer and letting her hand rest lightly over Elphaba’s heart.
As the quiet moments stretched on, their breathing slowed, their bodies relaxed, and with soft smiles and hearts full, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s warmth.
The next morning, Elphaba woke up slowly, her mind drifting in and out of a warm haze. She turned her head slightly and saw Galinda nestled beside her, her golden curls spread out on the pillow like a halo. It took Elphaba a moment to remember where she was. Galinda’s dorm room. The sunlight filtering through the gauzy pink curtains. And then it all came rushing back. The flowers, the night at the Ozdust, the kiss on the dock.
Elphaba let herself relax, the rare feeling of contentment washing over her. She hadn’t felt this at ease in…well, ever.
A soft murmur broke through her thoughts. “Good morning, Elphie”, Galinda whispered, her voice still thick with sleep. She stretched lazily, her hand brushing against Elphaba’s arm.
Elphaba smirked, her tone teasing. “Morning. You look like someone who had a very pleasant dream.”
Galinda giggled, her cheeks faintly pink. “I did. Except it wasn’t a dream.” She leaned in closer, her expression softening. “You’re really here.”
“I’m really here”, Elphaba confirmed, her voice quieter now. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Galinda beamed, her smile so radiant that Elphaba felt a tug in her chest. Without a word, Galinda reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. “Come on,” she said, tugging gently. “Let’s get breakfast. I don’t want to waste a second of today.”
Elphaba laughed, letting herself be pulled out of bed. “You’re awfully chipper for someone who stayed up so late.”
“Of course I am”, Galinda replied as she began picking out an outfit. “You’re here. How could I not be?”
Walking into the dining hall hand in hand was an experience. The whispers started almost immediately. Students glanced up from their plates, nudging each other and whispering behind cupped hands. Though the murmurs were subdued, it was clear that everyone was talking about them, about Elphaba, about Galinda, about them.
Galinda held her head high, her posture as regal as a queen’s. Elphaba, however, felt a flicker of discomfort under the weight of so many stares.
“I should say something”, Galinda murmured under her breath, her tone sharp. “They’re being ridiculous.”
But Elphaba stopped her with a gentle squeeze of her hand. “Let them talk,” she said calmly. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s just enjoy our day.”
Galinda hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But only because you asked me to.”
When they reached the table where Nessarose and Boq were sitting, Nessa’s eyes lit up with surprise. “You both look happy”, she said, a hint of amusement in her tone. “It’s about time, Elphaba. You deserve this.”
Elphaba rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a faint smile. “Thanks, Nessa. I think.”
Before anyone could respond, Fiyero strolled up to the table, a devilish grin plastered across his face. “Good morning, ladies”, he said smoothly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did you two have fun last night?”
Galinda let out a delighted laugh, playfully swatting his arm. “Stop it, Fiyero! You’re awful.”
Elphaba, on the other hand, froze, her face turning a deep shade of green. “We didn’t…I mean, that’s not-”
“Fiyero!”, Nessarose cut in, glaring at him. “Could you maybe not discuss my sister’s love life while I’m sitting right here? Please?”
Fiyero raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin never wavering. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave.” Then, leaning closer to Elphaba, he added in a quieter voice, “Just so you know, I’ve been rooting for you two. Galinda’s a special girl, Elphaba. Treat her right, yeah?”
Elphaba blinked, caught off guard by his sincerity. “I will”, she said, her voice uncharacteristically soft.
Satisfied, Fiyero straightened up and gave them all a cheeky wink before sauntering off. Galinda turned to Elphaba, her expression apologetic. “He’s impossible, isn’t he?”
“A bit”, Elphaba muttered, still feeling slightly flustered. But she couldn’t deny the warmth that Fiyero’s words had sparked in her chest.
Nessarose tilted her head, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “So, what’s the plan for today?” she asked, her gaze bouncing between Galinda and Elphaba. “Are we doing something together?”
Elphaba opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Galinda and she exchanged a look. It wasn’t a long one, but it spoke volumes. Galinda’s brow quirked slightly, a question in her blue eyes, and Elphaba gave the smallest of nods. Then, with a soft smile, she turned back to Nessa.
“I think we’d like to spend the day just the two of us,” Elphaba said carefully, her tone apologetic but firm. “We haven’t really had a chance to yet, and well, we really want to.”
Nessarose’s smile didn’t falter. If anything, it softened further. “I understand,” she replied, her voice gentle. “You two deserve it.” She paused, glancing at the tablecloth as though in thought before brightening. “But maybe tomorrow we can all do something together? There’s that path to the poppy fields. It’s always so peaceful there.”
Galinda clapped her hands together, her face lighting up. “That sounds delightful! Doesn’t that sound lovely, Elphie?”
Elphaba nodded, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. “It does. Tomorrow it is.”
With the day’s plans settled, the conversation moved on to lighter topics. Breakfast passed in a hum of chatter and laughter, the group at ease despite the occasional lingering glances from other students in the dining hall.
As they were leaving, Galinda hooked her arm through Elphaba’s, her voice taking on an excited lilt. “So, Elphie, what shall we do first?”
Elphaba smirked, casting her a sidelong glance. “Well, you already gave me a tour of Shiz when I first arrived, but…” Her voice softened as her eyes met Galinda’s. “I want to see the Galinda Upland tour. All your favorite places.”
Galinda beamed, her cheeks pink with delight. “Oh, Elphie, you’re going to love it! Come on, there’s so much to see.”
The day unfolded like a patchwork of moments, each more vivid and warm than the last. Galinda led Elphaba through the sprawling Shiz campus and beyond, her excitement infectious.
They started at the campus gardens, where Galinda showed Elphaba the hidden bench beneath the willow tree. “This is where I come when I need to think,” Galinda said softly, her fingers tracing the carvings in the wood. Elphaba sat beside her, their hands brushing, and listened as Galinda shared stories of late-night musings and stolen moments of peace. “I’ve sat here so many times and thought of you. I don’t think I ever thought I’d be sitting here with you.” They both smiled at eachother tenderly.
Next came a small café tucked away in a quiet corner of town. Galinda insisted on ordering them both hot chocolate, topped with an almost excessive amount of whipped cream. “This place has the best cocoa in all of Oz,” she declared, her nose crinkling as she sipped. Elphaba, skeptical at first, was forced to admit that it was, in fact, quite good. They stayed there longer than planned, their hands brushing occasionally as they shared anecdotes and laughter.
The afternoon was spent exploring the shops that lined the main street. Galinda’s favourite boutique, a quaint little bookstore, and even a quirky hat shop where Galinda insisted Elphaba try on a particularly eccentric wide-brimmed hat. “You look dashing,” Galinda teased, giggling as Elphaba rolled her eyes but kept the hat on just to see Galinda’s delighted smile.
Everywhere they went, their hands found each other. Sometimes it was a casual touch, their fingers brushing as they walked. Other times, it was a firm, reassuring grip, as if they were grounding each other in the moment. It felt natural, effortless, like something they had been doing for years rather than just a day.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Galinda led Elphaba to the dock by the lake. “This is the best spot to watch the sunset,” she said, her voice quieter now. They sat side by side, their shoulders touching, as the world around them softened into twilight.
“Thank you for today,” Elphaba murmured after a while, her gaze fixed on the water. “It’s been…perfect.”
Galinda turned to her, her expression tender. “You don’t have to thank me, Elphie. I’m just glad you let me show you all of this.” She reached out, taking Elphaba’s hand in hers. “And I’m glad you’re here. With me.”
Elphaba’s lips curved into a small, almost shy smile. She turned her hand over, lacing their fingers together. “I’m glad, too.”
They silently gazed at each other, a feeling of contentment surrounding them. Elphaba placed her hand on Galinda’s cheek and leant toward her. Galinda sighed at the movement and her eyes fluttered shut as they were a breath apart. Their lips met in a kiss that was full of emotion, both trying to show how grateful and appreciated they felt. When they broke apart Galinda rested her head on Elphaba’s shoulder. They stayed there until the last traces of sunlight faded, their hands entwined and their hearts full. Galinda nudged Elphaba with her shoulder. “Come on, let’s go back and get warm.”
On the walk back, Galinda couldn’t help but notice that Elphaba seemed preoccupied. She tightened her grip on the other girls hand and gave her a reassuring smile.
Once they were back in Galinda’s dorm, the two of them settled into the cozy space. Galinda lit a candle on her desk, filling the room with a soft vanilla scent, while Elphaba perched awkwardly on the edge of Galinda’s bed. It wasn’t long before Galinda joined her, sitting cross-legged and watching her girlfriend with a curious tilt of her head.
“Elphie,” she said gently, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. “You’ve been awfully quiet. Is something on your mind?”
Elphaba hesitated, her thumb nervously tracing the edge of the hem of her coat. She wasn’t one for vulnerability, it wasn’t in her nature. But Galinda’s gaze was patient, encouraging, and Elphaba felt a pull to be honest.
“There is something,” Elphaba admitted, her voice low. She avoided Galinda’s eyes, choosing instead to focus on the candle’s flickering flame.
Galinda shifted closer, her hand brushing lightly against Elphaba’s. “Whatever it is you want to say, you can say it to me,” she reassured her.
Elphaba exhaled shakily, finally meeting Galinda’s gaze. Her green hands fidgeted nervously in her lap, but she pressed on, forcing herself to speak. “I’ve been thinking about what Fiyero said earlier…you know, the comment.”
Galinda blinked in confusion for a moment before realisation dawned, and a blush crept up her cheeks. “Oh,” she murmured softly, smoothing a hand over her skirt. “You mean about us…having a good night?”
Elphaba nodded, her cheeks darkening. She hesitated again before her voice came out, barely above a whisper. “Is that…is that something you’ve thought about doing with me?”
Galinda’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but then she smiled, leaning a little closer. “Are you asking if I think about sleeping with you?” she teased gently, her voice warm and kind.
Elphaba swallowed, her cheeks burning. “Yes…I guess I am,” she managed, her voice trembling slightly.
Galinda’s expression softened, and she reached out to take Elphaba’s hands in hers, stilling their restless movement. “Constantly,” she said, her voice steady and reassuring. “I think about it all the time, Elphie.”
Elphaba’s lips parted slightly, her breath hitching at the revelation. She looked down at their joined hands, and Galinda began gently rubbing soothing circles on the back of Elphaba’s hand with her thumb. The small, tender gesture made Elphaba’s throat tighten, and she finally looked back up into Galinda’s eyes. “That…that’s good to know.”
Galinda hesitated, chewing slightly on her bottom lip before speaking again. “Do you…do you ever think about me that way?” she asked, her voice softer this time. “Is it something you’d want to do?”
Elphaba blinked in surprise, the question catching her off guard. But then she let out a quiet laugh, as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world. “Galinda,” she said softly, shaking her head, “you are absolutely incredible. Of course I’ve thought about it.”
Galinda’s cheeks flushed pink, and she tilted her head slightly, her lips parting as Elphaba continued. “I mean it,” Elphaba said earnestly. “You’re beautiful, and sweet, and everything I never thought someone like me could have. And I trust you.”
Galinda’s lips curved into a bright smile, her whole face lighting up. Her thumb brushed over Elphaba’s knuckles in soft, comforting strokes. “Elphie,” she murmured, her voice full of warmth, “that means more to me than I can even say.”
Elphaba looked down, her cheeks flushing darker at her own admission, but Galinda squeezed her hands gently. “We’ll go at whatever pace feels right for us. There’s no pressure.”
Elphaba looked down for a moment, taking in Galinda’s words. But after a beat, another question surfaced, one she couldn’t quite push down. She hesitated, chewing the inside of her cheek before speaking. “Did you and Fiyero…” The question hung awkwardly in the air, unfinished, but clear.
Galinda’s face softened, and she shook her head immediately. “No, Elphie. We didn’t sleep together.” She paused, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “I know what people think about me and what people think I’ve done. But I haven’t been with anyone. You’re the first person I’ve ever wanted that with.”
Elphaba’s eyes widened slightly, and her heart skipped a beat. She stared at Galinda, unsure of what to say, but Galinda smiled and leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a soft murmur. “From the first moment I saw you, I thought you were beautiful. Not just beautiful, but striking, in a way that makes it impossible to look anywhere else. And as I got to know you…well, I realised that everything about you is so, so attractive. The way you think, the way you move, the way you care about things no one else does. It’s…,” she trailed off, smiling shyly. “It’s everything.”
Elphaba blinked, overwhelmed, her throat tight with emotion. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, couldn’t believe that someone like Galinda saw her that way, wanted her that way. For a moment, all she could do was look at Galinda, her green hands trembling slightly in Galinda’s steady ones.
“I just… I don’t understand how someone like you could want me,” Elphaba admitted finally, her voice breaking. “You’re gorgeous, Galinda. Perfect. And I’m…” She trailed off, shaking her head.
Galinda immediately lifted one of Elphaba’s hands to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. “You’re incredible, Elphie,” she said firmly, her brown eyes locked on Elphaba’s. “And anyone who doesn’t see that is an idiot. And, Oz, don’t even get me started on how much I want you when you are up there on stage.”
Elphaba let out a shaky laugh, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I just don’t want to mess this up,” she said softly.
“You couldn’t,” Galinda reassured her. “And you don’t have to feel pressured. There’s no rush.”
Elphaba nodded slowly, her lips curving into a tentative smile. “I want to. I really do.”
Galinda squeezed her hands gently. “Then we’ll figure it out together,” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. “Just us.”